What happens when the death is referred to the Coroner


If a death is reported to the Coroner but there is no need for an inquest (see section on “Inquests”), a certificate giving the cause of death will be sent to the registrar on completion of the Coroner’s enquiries. Once the Coroner has notified you that h/she has issued the paperwork to the Registrar you will then be able to go ahead and make an appointment to register the death, as above.


In a small number of cases – where the cause of death is unclear, sudden or suspicious – the doctor or hospital or registrar will report the death to the Coroner. In this case registration of the death will be delayed as an inquest may need to be held.


Inquests


It is the duty of Coroners to investigate deaths which are reported to them and where:


• The cause of death is unknown • The deceased was not seen by the certifying


doctor either after death or within the 14 days before death


• The death was violent or unnatural or was suspicious


• The death may be due to an accident (whenever it occurred)


• The death may be due to self-neglect or neglect by others


• The death may be due to an industrial disease or related to the deceased’s employment


• The death may be due to an abortion


• The death occurred during an operation or before recovery from the effects of an anaesthetic


• The death may be suicide • The death occurred during or shortly after detention in police or prison custody


In a small number of cases, where any of the conditions above apply, the death will be reported to the Coroner.


The Coroner will then decide if it is necessary to open an inquest into the death. Once an inquest has been opened, the registration of the death will be delayed until after the inquest has been finalised. In most of these cases the Coroner will be able to issue an “interim certificate of the fact of death” which will enable you to make arrangements for the funeral and begin sorting out the deceased’s affairs.


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Sheffield Register Office Bereavement Guide


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