Why has my child’s death been referred to the Coroner?

Why has my child’s death been referred to the Coroner?

In certain circumstances your child’s Doctor is unable to write a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and therefore they must legally inform the local Coroner. This is usually in cases where:

• The death is sudden and unexpected • The cause of death is not known • The death occurred as the result of an accident or unnatural cause • The death occurred after surgery

The Coroner will then consider the circumstances around your child’s death and decide what happens next:

• The Coroner may instruct your child’s Doctor to write a Medical

Certificate of Cause of Death. You will then be able to proceed with registering your child’s death and arranging their funeral. • The Coroner may decide to investigate your child’s death further, in which case a post mortem examination may be required. Your child’s Doctor and the Coroner’s Office will explain this process in more detail to you if required.

Surrey Coroner (for deaths at Epsom Hospital) 01483 404530 www.surreycc.gov.uk/birth-death-and-ceremonies/death/ coroner