A Coroners Involvement

The Involvement of a Coroner

Here, you will find information regarding the circumstances in which a coroner becomes involved when someone passes away.

When an individual dies, it is a legal requirement for all deaths to be reported to the coroner if a doctor has not examined the deceased within the past 14 days. It is important to note that this does not automatically indicate that a post-mortem examination will be conducted. Sometimes, it simply involves a discussion between the doctor and the coroner to confirm that the doctor can issue the necessary paperwork.

In cases where the cause of death cannot be determined, a post-mortem examination is likely to occur. The purpose of this examination is to establish the cause of death. If the coroner decides to proceed with an examination, it may result in a delay in arranging the funeral. The coroner may advise against setting a funeral date until all examinations have been completed and the relevant documentation has been provided to the funeral director.

Once the coroner concludes their investigations, they will inform the next of kin and provide them with guidance and information regarding the subsequent steps to be taken.

Please find below the addresses and contact numbers of local coroners’ offices.

If you require further information, please feel free to contact H.J. Newington Funeral Directors at **01273 032589**.

Who is H.M. Coroner?

The title “H.M. Coroner” refers to His Majesty’s Coroner, an impartial judicial officer responsible for upholding the laws pertaining to coroners and inquests.

It is the duty of the Coroner to investigate deaths reported to Them if they think that the:

• It is the responsibility of the Coroner to investigate reported deaths under specific circumstances:

  • When the cause of death is unknown
  • When the death is suspected to be violent or unnatural
  • When the death occurs suddenly and without explanation
  • When the deceased individual did not receive medical attention during their final illness
  • When a medical certificate is unavailable
  • When the doctor who signed the medical certificate did not see the deceased within 14 days before or after their passing
  • When the death occurs during an operation or before the person emerges from anaesthesia
  • When the medical certificate indicates the possibility of the death being caused by an industrial disease or industrial poisoning.

It is the responsibility of the Coroner to make enquiries which will establish the following:

• It is the duty of the Coroner to conduct investigations to determine the following details:

  • The identity of the deceased individual
  • The time and location of their passing
  • The cause of death

  If a death occurs suddenly or unexpectedly within the Brighton and Hove district, the deceased may be transported to the Brighton & Hove City Mortuary by either the Coroners Transport Service or a designated local funeral director. The Coroner will be notified accordingly.

  Please note that you are not obligated to engage the services of the funeral director who initially brought your loved one under the Coroner’s care.

If the Coroner determines that the cause of death is evident:

• • The doctor will complete and sign a medical certificate.
  • The medical certificate will then be forwarded to the registrar.
  • The coroner will issue a certificate to the registrar, indicating that a post-mortem examination is unnecessary.

If the Coroner determines that a post-mortem examination is necessary to ascertain the cause of death:

• • • The examination can be conducted either in a hospital or at a Coroner’s mortuary.
    • It is not possible to object to a coroner’s post-mortem. However, if you have made a request, the Coroner is obliged to inform you (as well as the deceased person’s General Practitioner) about the date and location of the examination.

If no inquest is needed:

• If an inquest is not required, the Coroner will authorize the release of the body for a funeral after completing the post-mortem examination and determining that no further examinations are necessary. The Coroner will then submit the cause of death to the registrar using the ‘Pink Form – form 100B’. Additionally, if the body is to be cremated, the Coroner will provide a ‘Certificate of Coroner – form Cremation 6’.

Who are Coroner’s officers?

Coroner’s officers play a crucial role in the legal process. Working closely with bereaved families, police, doctors, and funeral directors, they assist the Coroner in gathering vital evidence. This evidence helps the Coroner make informed decisions regarding the next steps for a loved one. With their expertise and dedication, Coroner’s officers ensure a thorough and thoughtful approach to each case.

Helpful Resources & Local Information

A Guide to Coroner Services for Bereaved People – Click Here

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are available on hand 24 hours a day.

Contacting Worthing Coroner & Bereavement Office

The Worthing Mortuary serves as the central hub for the Mortuary Service. It offers round-the-clock availability for deceased patients from both the hospital and the ambulance service.

Viewing facilities are accessible at specific times, subject to prior arrangement with the mortuary. Worthing Mortuary plays a vital role in assisting the West Sussex Coroner with referred deaths that occur in the community. It operates 24/7, serving the West Sussex County Council.

Please note that the mortuary is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Worthing Hospital: 01903 205111

West Sussex Coroners Service – Click Here

St Richard’s Hospital: 01243 788122 Click Here

Bereavement Office Worthing: 01903 285261 (12.00 pm – 4.00 pm)

Bereavement St Richard’s: 01243 831668 (12.00 pm – 4.00 pm)

Worthing Coroner’s Office: 01273 404012 (8.00 am – 4.00 pm)

Brighton & West Sussex Corners Office

Telephone: 03302225560

Website: Click Here

Brighton & Hove Coroners Court Leaflet Available: Click Here

Brighton City Mortuary

Telephone: 01273 292329

Viewings are strictly by prior appointment only. To arrange a visit, phone 01273 292 329 or email mortuary@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Website: Click Here

Coroner’s Officers East Sussex

Police Station
Hammonds Drive Patrol Centre,
Eastbourne
BN23 6PW

Telephone: 01273 404 646

East Sussex Coroners Administrative office

Coroner’s Office (East Sussex)
Unit 56
Innovation Centre
Highfield Drive
St Leonards on Sea
East Sussex
TN38 9UH

Telephone: 01424 723 030

Website: Click Here

West Sussex Coroner’s Officers:

Email: wscoroners@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Tel:01273 404012

Additional office phone number: 01273 404013.

Out of office hours: Phone 101 and ask for the on-call West Sussex Coroner’s Officer.

Website: Click HerePost

Worthing Hospital Mortuary:

Telephone: 01903 205111

8.00 am and 4.30 pm

West Sussex Coroners Service – Click Here

St Richard’s Hospital Mortuary:

Telephone: 01243 788122 Click Here

Worthing Bereavement Office

Bereavement Office Worthing: 01903 285261 (12.00 pm – 4.00 pm)

Bereavement St Richard’s: 01243 831668 (12.00 pm – 4.00 pm)

Worthing Coroner’s Office: 01273 404012 (8.00 am – 4.00 pm)