Coroner's reports

[swissmarg]

If someone dies of a drug overdose in a public place, according to what I've gleaned from +this post and +this Wikipedia entry, the coroner would order a post-mortem performed but probably no inquest would be held because there would be no suspicion of third-party involvement. Is that right

Comments

[veronica_milvus]

Generally a post-mortem would be performed for any sudden or unexpected death, especially if relatives wanted it. I'm afraid I don't know about the records.

[swissmarg]

Okay, thank you.

[legionseaglelj]

I think there might be an inquest, because it would be a death by poisoning and you'd want to be certain that the deceased did indeed administer it to themselves.

[swissmarg]

Okay, well I guess it would be possible if the relatives wanted it but if it was an overdose in a known drug user they'd probably just close the book. It's not that important for the story, honestly. What's more important is where the records are kept afterwards, whether there was an inquest or not. You know, in case a certain someone wanted to sneak a look at them. ;)

[snarryfool]

Here are some sources I found (Google search was criteria for inquest in uk; disclaimer: I'm not in the UK, nor am I in legal/police profession). See what you think, and I hope they help:

https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/when-a-death-is-reported-to-a-coroner.

https://www.medicalprotection.org/uk/resources/factsheets/england/england-factsheets/uk-eng-inquests

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/a_to_c/coroners/#a07 <-- this looks as though it may link to official guidance/rules.

[swissmarg]

Thank you. I still think there wouldn't be an inquest, in the scenario I'm writing, as it would seem clear that it was an overdose in a known drug user. I am still wondering where the records are kept though.

[cordeliadelayne]

From working in the medical side of things, the original PM records would be kept wherever the PM took place, so in your scenario probably at a public mortuary rather than a hospital mortuary. A copy would be sent to the coroner's office, a copy for the police if involved and a copy to the patient's GP. The next of kin would most likely also receive a copy.

[swissmarg]

Thank you, that's perfect. :)