If someone dies unexpectedly at home or in a care home, or if the likely cause of death may be related to their job, the deceased may need to be taken into the care of the Coroner.

When the Coroner is involved?

There is a number of reasons why a death may be reported or referred to the Coroner. None of which should necessarily give cause for distress or concern.

What does the Coroner do?

The Coroner is an independent judicial officer, who is required to act when any sudden death occurs. It is the duty of the Coroner to ascertain the cause of death and to investigate any unusual circumstances.

Coroners officers who work on behalf of the Coroner, who usually investigate the death and report their findings accordingly.

What is the Coroner’s procedure?

Depending upon the Coroners findings there are three different procedures to follow:

1. No post mortem examination

Following a simple investigation the Coroner may find that the death was due to natural causes and that the usual Doctor is able to issue a Medical Certificate (The Medical Certificate is sometimes referred to as the “Death Certificate”. It is usually in a sealed envelope addressed to the Registrar.)

2. A post mortem examination

If a Doctor is unable to issue a Medical Certificate the Coroner may require a post- mortem examination. Consent from relatives is not required, but you can choose a Doctor to be present. The result of the post-mortem examination will usually indicate that the death was due to natural causes and there is no need for an inquest.

3. An inquest

If the death was not due to natural causes (for example an accident) the Coroner is obliged to hold an Inquest. This is an inquiry to determine:

• The identity of the deceased
• When, where, and how the death occurred
• The cause of death

After opening the inquest and establishing the identity of the deceased, the Coroner may adjourn and allow the funeral to take place.

It may be sometime before the Inquest into the death is reopened to establish the cause of death.

The Coroner’s Officers and your Funeral Director will be able to advise you of any action that may be necessary.

The Coroner will also:

• Give free of charge, an order for Burial or Cremation
• Send a Certificate (After Inquest) to the Registrar, stating the cause of death
• Give, usually as a matter of course, a letter confirming the fact of death for Social Security and insurance benefit purposes
• Give permission for the body to be removed out of England and Wales
• Pay for the removal of the deceased from the place of death to the mortuary

If you require any further information please contact your Funeral Director or your local Coroners Office:

Stockport Coroners – Coroner’s Court, Mount Tabor, Mottram Street, Stockport, SK1 3PA. Get Directions.
Tel: 0161 474 3993
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs 08.30 to 16:30 & Fri 08:00 to 16:00

Manchester Coroners – Manchester City Coroner’s Office, PO Box 32, Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square, M60 2LA. Get Directions.
Tel: 0161 219 2222
Email: coroners@manchester.gov.uk
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm

Cheshire Coroners – The West Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1UH
For cases in the Crewe are: Tel. 01925 442481 / 01925 442479
For cases in the Macclesfield area: Tel. 01925 442478 / 01925 442483
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm