A death will be reported to the Coroner when it occurs under the following circumstances:

• An accident or injury
• An industrial disease
• During a surgical operation
• Before recovery from an anaesthetic
• The cause is unknown
• Where the death is sudden and unexplained e.g. a sudden infant death (cot death)

Once reported to the Coroner, a death cannot be registered, and the funeral cannot take place, without the Coroner's authorization.

The Coroner can order a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death.  He or she may also hold an inquest, which is an investigation into circumstances leading up to the death.  When an inquest is called the Coroner's Office will contact the relatives.

Where a death has been reported to the Coroner, the Medical Certificate will be issued directly from the Coroner's Office.  You will need this certificate before you are able to register the death at the Register Office.

When an inquest is ordered, the death cannot be registered until it has been completed, however a Medical Certificate will usually be issued at the opening of the inquest to allow the funeral to take place.

David T Bowen
Gwent Coroner

Tel: 01633 264194