Sometimes when a loved one passes it is necessary to consider whether a Coroner needs to be involved. This may be because the person in question has passed suddenly from an unknown cause, there is evidence of a violent attack or an accident or where the death has happened in a public institute, perhaps a hospital within a short time of admittance, usually 24 hours.
It is the duty of the Coroner to investigate any death falling into these categories with a view to whether there is a need for any additional medical examination or investigation to be carried out prior to the deceased being released into the care of an undertaker.
In these circumstances the deceased will usually be collected from the place of passing by the Coroners appointed undertaker. It should be noted, the Coroner’s Undertaker is acting solely on behalf of the Coroner who will meet the cost of their services, you are not obliged to use this undertaker to carry out the subsequent funeral if you wish to use ourselves or indeed another Funeral Director you are familiar with.
It should also be noted that the Coroners Undertaker should attend the scene in a respectful and professional manner and you should not feel pressured into appointing them to carry out the funeral. If you feel you have been put under undue pressure at this time please either report it to ourselves or the Coroners Office directly.
Some further useful information relating to the Coroner and the Coroners process can be read here;
National
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coroners-post-mortems-and-inquests
Local
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/deaths-funerals-and-cremations/the-cornwall-coroner/
When the Coroner is involved it doesn’t necessarily mean that a Post Mortem or Autopsy will be required. Often the process is as simple as a discussion between the Coroner, the deceased’s usual GP and immediate family to establish prior medical history and any evidence of the onset of a condition that may have resulted in their passing.
However, if death has occurred in a Hospital, you are entitled if you felt it necessary, to request that a Hospital Post Mortem examination is completed. You should consider that this may be a distressing process to undertake, you should be given the details of someone to contact in case you change your mind. You can read more information here;
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-mortem/
Again, if you should need any advice about the process or to discuss whether a Post Mortem should be carried out we would be happy to discuss this with you initially with a view to referring you to the relevant people that will be best placed to advise you further.
Jeremy Burt
Proprietor