Coroner's Service

A Coroner is a special Judge, whose role it is to find out who died and how, when and where they died and when. Sometimes it is necessary to report a death to the Coroner before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be given. Some of the circumstances include:

- The cause of death is unknown

- The cause of death is unnatural eg. Possible suicide, homicide, neglect, accident (including road traffic collision), or poisoning.

- Death occurred within 24hours of admission to hospital, during or after surgery or a medical procedure

- Death occurred during or immediately after detention in Police Custody

The Coroner will decide either that:

- A post-mortem examination does not need to take place, in which case they will notify the Registrar of this, using a Form A and a death certificate can be issued; or

- A post-mortem examination will need to take place, in which case they will instruct a Pathologist (a highly trained doctor) to perform this.

A Coroner’s post-mortem is a legal obligation and does not require the permission of the family. If there is time to organise it in advance, the family may be represented at the examination by their own doctor.

After a post-mortem has been carried out, the Coroner will decide either that:

- No further action is necessary, in which case they will notify the Registrar of this, using a Form B; or

- That they need to hold an inquest; in which case, the Coroner’s Officer will talk you through what will happen next.

Website: South Wales Central Coroner's Service

Phone: 01443 281101

Email: coroneradmin@rctcbc.gov.uk

Useful Information: A Guide to Coroner Services for Bereaved People (publishing.service.gov.uk)