What cases are referred to the coroner?
When someone dies and the death is sudden, or unexplained, violent, appears to be self-inflicted, medically unexpected, or happens in official custody or care, the deceased is referred to the coroner.
Generally, the Police always inform a coroner of a coroner’s case.
What is a coroner and duty coroner?
A coroner is a judicial officer, like a judge, who investigates the causes and circumstances of a death.
At the time a case is referred, a duty coroner is responsible for making decisions whether a post-mortem examination is needed.
Who else makes up the Coronial Services?
A pathologist is a specially trained doctor who is engaged to examine bodies to identify the medical cause of death.
The National Initial Investigation Office, known as NIIO, is part of the Coronial Services and is sometimes referred to as the Duty Coroner’s Office. NIIO co-ordinators should contact you on behalf of the coroner to discuss matters relating to your loved one. Most of the time the coroner will not contact you directly.
What is a post-mortem and benefits?
A post-mortem is an examination undertaken by a pathologist to ty to find the medical cause of death.
Whether a full or partial, in some cases, a post-mortem examination may be crucial for helping the coroner to determine how your loved one has died and may provide answers to questions you may have.
Even after a post-mortem examination, it isn’t always possible in every case to determine a cause of death. Alternatively, some outcomes can contribute to a coroner’s consideration as to whether any recommendations can be made that might reduce the chances of deaths occurring in similar circumstances in the future.
How long will the first stages of the coronial process take?
The first stages of the coronial process will often take approximately 48 hours, however, in some instances it may take longer and therefore, a NIIO co-ordinator should keep you updated of any delays.
What will my loved one look like after a post-mortem examination?
What your loved one will look like after a post-mortem examination differs case by case and is dependent on both the nature of the death and the type of post-mortem directed by the coroner. Usually, the chest and abdomen will be examined by a Y style cut, and you can expect to see some small incisions on the back of the head.
If your loved one is transferred into the care of a funeral director, they can dress your loved one and the signs of the examination will be barely noticeable.
What happens if the coroner doesn’t order a post-mortem?
If the coroner upholds an objection to a post-mortem or directs the release of your loved one without a post-mortem, there won’t be a further opportunity for a post-mortem after that time.
Cultural Needs
The coroner is committed to providing a culturally safe service that honours your cultural needs; however, the coronial process comprises of elements that may prove to be challenging in honouring your cultural preferences.
If the coroner can’t, again, a NIIO co-ordinator should make contact to inform you and answer any further questions you might have.
Post-Mortem Findings & Reporting
Lastly, straight after the post-mortem, the pathologist will give the coroner a provisional interim report stating the unconfirmed cause of death.
NIIO should also advise you of such.
The pathologist provides the coroner with the final post-mortem report after they have the results of any sample testing.
It’s important to note that a final report can take some months to complete.
Hopefully that’s given you some context around a coroner’s role and the Coronial Services process.