Births, marriages, deaths and nationality When death occurs

Which deaths must be reported to the Coroner?

About half of all deaths are not reported to the Coroner at all, as a doctor is able to provide a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (this is a document which allows the death to be registered).  There are strict rules governing when a doctor may do this.  They must know what illness caused the patient's death and must have seen and treated them for that illness within the 28 days before they died (this can include face to face or video).  These rules are in place to safeguard patients and ensure that death reporting and registration is accurate.

If there is no doctor available who can issue this certificate, the death must be reported to the Coroner.

There are several other types of death that must always be reported:

  • Deaths that may be linked to medical treatment, surgery or anaesthetic
  • Deaths that may be linked to an accident, however long ago it happened
  • Deaths that may be linked to drugs or medications, whether prescribed or illicit
  • If there is a possibility that the person took their own life
  • If there are any suspicious circumstances or history of violence
  • Deaths that may be linked to the person's occupation, for example if they have been exposed to asbestos 
  • All deaths of people who are in custody or detained under the Mental Health Act, even if due to natural causes

If you are still unclear why your relative's death has been reported, please call us and an Officer will discuss it with you.

Reports are made mainly by doctors and the Police.  When we receive a report in the office, it is given to the Coroner.  They will review the information and decide what should be done.  The next sections cover the different possibilities.

Was this page helpful?

Fields marked * cannot be left blank

Feedback submitted to us on this form is monitored but you won’t receive a reply. In an emergency, visit our emergency contact details page. Please don't include any personal or financial information, for example your National Insurance or credit card numbers.