Deaths must be reported to the Coroner in certain circumstances.
Examples include deaths:
- that are sudden or unexplained
- that are unnatural
- that occurred at work
- where the deceased was in state detention
Read further guidance from the government:
- Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019 guidance
- Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019 legislation
Reporting a death to the Coroner
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Mr Nigel Parsley, HM Senior Coroner for Suffolk has published clarification relating to COVID-19.
Read the letter here. (18 March 2020).
The police, a doctor, or a registrar can report a death to the Coroner.
The Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019 came into force on 1 October 2019, which requires any referral to be made in writing.
How a doctor needs to report a death
Follow the following steps (in accordance with the Notification of Deaths guidelines).
- Download GP notification form (Word, 489KB)
- Complete and send to coroners.service@suffolk.gov.uk
Other people can make a referral by:
- coroners.service@suffolk.gov.uk
- writing to: Suffolk Coroners Service, Beacon House, Whitehouse Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5PB
You cannot report a death by phone.
What happens next?
Once a referral is received, the Coroner's Officer will contact people that have been involved in the care of the deceased and those that have knowledge of the circumstances of the death.
These enquiries will be carried out as soon as possible, but often will take several days.
During this time you are welcome to appoint a funeral director of your choice, but please advise them that the Coroner is involved. In some cases, as a result of the enquiries made, the Coroner will decide that a post-mortem is necessary.
In the majority of cases the Coroner will determine that death was as a result of natural causes and you will not be unduly delayed in registering the death and making funeral arrangements. The Coroner’s officer will advise you if there are any delays on release of the deceased.
Bereavement support
A list of organisations offering support and advice for adults and children on coping with a death.
| Organisation | How they can help |
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Bereaved by Suicide Service |
Losing a loved one to suicide is an extremely traumatic experience. Bereaved by Suicide Service aims to ease the distress and improve the wellbeing of those in Suffolk (with the exception of the Waveney area) and Colchester and Tendring who have been bereaved by suicide. They provide emotional support, practical help and signposting to other organisations. |
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Helps to reduce the amount of direct mail sent to the address of a person who has died. |
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A registered charity whose volunteers give emotional and practical support to families and other witnesses attending inquests. Suffolk Coroner's Service works with the charity to ensure families feel supported through the inquest process. |
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Provides support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. |
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Provides free and independent advice to bereaved people following a death in state care or detention in England and Wales. |
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Offers confidential bereavement support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child. |
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Free and impartial money advice, including information about paying for a funeral. |