The Coroner

The Coroner

Coroners are independent judicial officers who investigate someone’s death. If the coroner is involved, it does not automatically mean that the deceased person must have a post-mortem. However, if the coroner decides a post-mortem is required then it could be for one of the following reasons: • No doctor attended the deceased during their last illness • Although a doctor attended during the last illness, the deceased was not seen within 28 days before or after death • The cause of death appears to be unknown • The death occurred during an operation or before recovery from the effects of an anaesthetic

• The death was due to an industrial accident, disease, or poisoning • The death was sudden or unexpected • The death was unnatural

• The death was due to violence or neglect • The death was in other suspicious circumstances • The death occurs whilst the deceased is under detention of the Mental Health Act

Coroner’s post-mortems are carried out by law and therefore permission from relatives/next-of-kin is not needed. You can be represented at the post-mortem examination by a doctor of your choice if you wish (there may be a charge for this). The Coroner’s Office will contact you, but should you have questions in the meantime, please contact them on: The Coroner’s Officer Doncaster Crown Court College Road Doncaster DN1 3HS Telephone: 01302 737 137 General Office: 01302 737 135