The Coroner

Medical examiners (ME)

MEs are independent senior medical doctors who are appointed to review all deaths that occur in hospital. They are specially trained in the legal and clinical elements of death certification processes.

They are here to check the information written on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is correct, and that any referrals that need to go to the Coroner are made.

They review clinical notes and meet with the treating doctor to discuss the deceased’s care and the cause of death.

Medical examiner officers (MEO)

MEOs are a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff who have received special training in the role. They assist the ME.

You may receive a call from a ME or MEO in the coming days. They will help you understand the wording used on the MCCD. You will have a chance to ask any questions you may have regarding the care of the deceased or their last illness.

Some deaths have to be reported to the Coroner. The Coroner is an independent judicial officer and are responsible for investigating deaths in circumstances such as:

• all sudden and unexpected deaths

• deaths where the cause is unknown

• deaths caused by industrial diseases

• deaths involving a bone fracture

• deaths from acute alcohol poisoning or drug related illnesses

Once information is obtained by the Coroner’s Office from the medical staff, a decision will be made as to whether or not a post mortem is necessary.

In many cases, permission will be given to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

However, you should note that the procedures with the Coroner takes at least 3 working days to complete before the certification can be released and in these circumstances an appointment with the Register Office cannot be made until all documentation has been completed and issued.

If the Coroner decides a post mortem, also known as an autopsy, is necessary, this will usually take place within a week of the death at the Coroner’s Mortuary in Flax Bourton.

The Coroner’s office will take over responsibility from the patient affairs office and will be responsible for keeping you informed of what is happening and guiding you in the next steps that you should take.

The Coroner does not require the consent of any other person for this to take place. Funeral directors should be advised about the post mortem and are usually happy to proceed with funeral arrangements.

You will be informed by the Coroner’s Office when they have sent paperwork to the Register Office so that you can make an appointment to register the death.

The Coroner’s office can be contacted on 01275 461 920. Opening hours: 7.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Coroner’s inquest

In some circumstances the Coroner will proceed to open an inquest.

The purpose of an inquest is to find out 4 facts; who the deceased was, when, where and how they died. They will also record the medical cause of death.

You may be contacted by one of the Coroner’s officers if an inquest has been opened. You may be asked to provide a statement about your loved one. The Trust will also provide the Coroner with statements from those who cared for the patient.