What if the Coroner is involved? 

When a death has been reported to the Coroner the registration process cannot go ahead until the Coroner has given their approval. Normally, no further investigation is required and registration can be completed without delay. However, the Coroner will want to investigate further if: 

• It is suspected that the person’s death was unnatural due to the cause of death being unknown.

• The person died while in custody or otherwise in state detention

• There is no attending medical practitioner required to sign a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

• The attending medical practitioner is not available within a reasonable time of the person’s death to sign a MCCD

• The identity of the deceased cannot be ascertained

• There is suspicion a death was due to:

  • poisoning, including by an otherwise benign substance

  • exposure to or contact with a toxic substance

  • the use of a medicinal product, controlled drug, or psychoactive substance.

  • violence

  • trauma or injury

  • self-harm

  • neglect, including self-neglect

  • the person undergoing a treatment or procedure of a medical or similar nature

  • an injury or disease attributable to any employment held by the person during their lifetime

The Coroner’s office for Staffordshire and Stoke is open Monday – Friday 9:00 to 17.00. Email, Coroners@Stoke.Gov.UK - Staffordshire County Council Coroners Office.