The coroner

Coroners are independent judicial officers in England and Wales who must follow laws which apply to coroners and inquests. Each coroner has a deputy and one of them must be available at all times to deal with deaths that need to be reported to them. Coroners are usually lawyers but may be doctors and are appointed and paid by the Local Authority.

A death is usually reported to the coroner if it is sudden or unexpected or if the doctor is unable to issue a certificate. The coroner is responsible for establishing the cause of death and considering whether to order a post mortem, hold an inquest or both.

The coroner's officers

The Coroners Officers for Plymouth and South West Devon are in Plymouth and are based at Derriford Hospital, Level 7, Derriford Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 8DH. They can be contacted on 01752 439679.

Opening hours

• 8am to 3.30pm - Monday to Friday

If you need to contact the Coroners Office outside of these hours please contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 08452 777 444.

Related documents

Coroner's charter [74.5KB]

A guide to working with the working with the Plymouth and South West Devon coroner [21KB]

Information on the Plymouth and South West Devon Coroner [8KM]

Someone has died - Why is the coroner involved [21KB]

If you require information in connection with a baby or child death, please speak to a Coroners Officer on the numbers above.

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