Coroner's Inquest

Can anyone help me with understanding what will happen at my husband’s inquest please?

We will have been waiting for 14 long months by the time the Inquest date comes on May 1st. Although I’m relieved to finally have a date, I’m scared that I’m thinking it will bring answers as to why he died and what could (should?) have been done to treat his sepsis and then we’ll have some peace of mind - perhaps it will just open the floodgates wider … . Also, what happens in the Court? Can you ask the witnesses questions or does it all go through the Coroner?
Thank you if anyone has any ideas to share

Hi dualhealthfran,

Having an inquest date after a long time waiting for one must bring up a lot of different feelings and I understand that you’re feeling both relieved and scared. There’s an organisation called the Coroners’ Courts Support Service which has some helpful and detailed information on their website about the inquest process and what will happen on the day. Knowing a bit more about the practical aspects and what to expect may ease some of your concerns: https://coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk/information-support/

Others in this community have been through the inquest process and I’m sure will share their experiences with you soon.

Take care,
Eleanor

Hi im so sorry for you loss , i lost my mum a year ago in the 7th feb due to major neglect at the hands of the nhs .After being in and out of hospital for 4 years with major bowel problems vomiting faceas sick and coming out of everywhere it could she had tests but they said there was nothing wrong with her.They just run iv fluids to rehydrate her gave her cancer drugs for anti sickness and sent her home she was bed ridden until her last visit in jan she was in for 2 weeks they did same routine and sent her in her way within hrs she was rushed back in screaming in pain cut a long story short she died the next morning i went hospital next day to make an official complaint with PALS and risk analyst governor who ordered a full investigation as it turned out from the final investigation result was horrifying she had a burst bowel from 7.25pm and sepsis kicked in and there was loads of policies that should of been followed that werent .It wasnt noticed till 9am next morning when they rushed her to theatre but it was too late so the critical care team were disgusted and raised a report themselves which in turn had to have the highest investigations done before the inquest which was in july 2018 leading up to it i was so nervous as i did a lot of research on what it entails as 80% statistically wont go to inquests as you arent allowed to cross examine its known as a fact finding inquest .It was so hard for me to sit and listen to the lies the hospital come out with .You do get chance at the end to ask questions to whoever is representing the hospital but are only allowed to ask once they answer you arent allowed to say no more you cant argue it which i found extremely difficult . But I found it essential to be there to know what was being said as I had a stack of evidence myself so I made notes .I have since found a solicitor to take on mums case for medical negligence . It is nerve racking but in my case i needed to know what they had to say so i could do my own. Cross examination with all mums paperwork I had . The coroner makes you feel at ease they do understand how daunting it is and you will get the opportunity to have your say …good luck … But if you dont get you may end up regretting it and it only happens the once but please dont be scared .Your there to represent your husband … God bless you xxxx

This was very helpful to me

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-coroner-services-and-coroner-investigations-a-short-guide

We had an inquest for my daughter. Gemma sadly took her own life last year. She was under the care if her GP and also a mental health specialist. We were dreading it but the Coroner was very kind and nice. I took a photograph of Gemma with me and the Coroner said that was the first time anyone had done that and it was nice to see a picture of her.
You should receive the paperwork beforehand and be able to familiarise yourself with it. We had statements from the health professionals who were looking after Gemma, the police and paramedics, but no witnesses were called. You could always call the Coroner’s officer to ask about any questions you have about the statements and they will advise you.
I hope this helps xxx

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My partners inquest is coming up after him being killed in a road traffic accident 6 months ago and it has brought up all the feelings of losing him all over again, how have others coped with this

Aww you poor woman that is horrific Griref is different for everyone . Are you speaking to someone like cruse bereavement ? Look in your area for your local place call them and they help you get through it . Your suffering and pain is traumatic its a form of trauma grief this is what ive got . Im battling with Mental health team atm because im not getting the right help. But were all different luv theres no right or wrong way. Its the inquest coming up as well that is stressful and nerve wracking anyway thats how I felt but hopefully you have good positive ppl around you keeping you held up but that outside help is right if you want to know what you feel is normal hope this helps xx

Having support from a counselling group called voice as it’s not a straight forward road accident as he was killed by a police car and there’s been a lot of red tape

Oooooo you need to fibd a solicitor and fast …what you nerd to get in that inquest is whats called a Narrative verdict . Its the best one ya can get if there’s been foul play with a narrative verdict its were the coroner will do a written statement of what shes seen… where the mistakes where and you can then go to a solicitor or contact the Law Society tell them you’ve been through an inquest find out what the coroner states as COD then they’ll tell you what solicitors to contact who specialise in cases like urs. But its gunna be hard one cz the all pull together same as the hospitals … When is it ? Xx

Omg victoria sorry doest cut it … wow its good to hear others stories and know that living in me bed not believing theres any life left for me anymore and reading what you have been through .ppl think its normal grief and its not traumatic grief is horrendous im so sorry for you xxxx