Changes proposed to coroner system (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Changes proposed to coroner system
9:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in News
By Kathie Griffiths, T&A Reporter
Under Government plans for a new coroner system, inquests will be subject to stricter time limits.
Earlier this month Justice Minister Helen Grant said it was time “to end the postcode lottery that has plagued the coroner system for too long” and bring in a system that puts the needs of bereaved people first and foremost.
As part of proposed changes coroners will also have to undergo mandatory training to be more efficient and will have to report any cases that last more than a year to the Chief Coroner.
Miss Grant said: “I want to see all coroners delivering the same, efficient service across the board. We must be assured that coroners are conducting inquests quickly, with adequate care and with the right support available for relatives.”
An inquest is a legal investigation to find out how, when and where a person died when a death was sudden, violent or unnatural. They are also held when someone has died in prison or police custody or overseas.
