Coroner’s Referrals

Coroner’s Referrals

Under certain circumstances the involvement of the Coroner may be necessary. Examples of such circumstances are: • All sudden and unexplained deaths • Where the cause of death is unknown and a doctor cannot issue a certificate • Any death through unnatural or suspicious causes, for example suicide, violence, poisoning, accidents • If the death occurred as a result of a planned operation or procedure • If the death was caused by industrial disease

The Coroner for Somerset is an independent judicial officer who enquires into those deaths who fall into the above categories. The Coroner’s Officers are independent representatives and work to the guidance of the Coroner. The Coroner’s Officers will be contacted by the doctor and the Coroner will decide one of 3 things: • That the death was from natural causes and the doctor is permitted to issue the MCCD • The cause of death is unknown and a post mortem examination is required

• The cause of death is unnatural and an inquest is to be held