Description
About Cumbria Coroners Service and HM Coroner
HM Coroners are independent judicial officers with the responsibility for investigating sudden deaths and where the cause of death is unknown.
When a death occurs, and is reportable to HM Coroner, there is a requirement to arrange for the Deceased to be conveyed from the place of death to an appropriate mortuary facility, pending either a post-mortem examination or further investigation, often then resulting in an inquest being held. HM Coroner discharges their duties impartially, with the sole view of ascertaining the facts surrounding a death for the purpose meeting their statutory and legal responsibilities.
Therefore, at this sad time it is necessary for the deceased to be removed by the undertaker/contractor, on behalf of HM Coroner, but contracted by Cumbria County Council as it is their statutory responsibility to manage the Coroners Service in Cumbria.
We trust that the contractor engaged in this removal has carried out this task with sensitivity and discretion, and in a dignified manner. The Cumbria Coroner Service expects that the Contractor and/or their staff / representatives will treat the bereaved / Deceased’s family courteously and sympathetically at all times whilst having due regard, within the constraints of the statutory duties they are required to perform, to any religious faith and cultural traditions the Deceased may have wanted.
It is very important to note that although the HM Coroner is involved and the Deceased has been removed by an undertaker contracted by the County Council this does not prevent provisional funeral arrangements being made, and the family / next of kin of the Deceased has the absolute right to choose which funeral business / undertaker they wish to carry out the funeral.
We recommend that the next of kin/family does not finalise any date for the burial or cremation at this time, or until HM Coroner has formally released the Deceased from his custody.
If the death has been reported to HM Coroner and subsequently does not need to be the subject of an inquest, a certificate giving cause of death will be sent to the ‘Registrar of Births and Deaths’ within 5 working days of the completion of the HM Coroners enquiries.
Who We Help
Everyone.
Accessing Our Services
For deaths that occurred in Penrith, Alston, Kendal, Windermere/Ambleside, Barrow, Ulverston & South Lakes areas: 01229 848966
For deaths that occurred in Carlisle, Brampton/Longtown, Wigton, Keswick, Cockermouth, West Cumbria, the Solway coast, & Millom areas: 01900 706902
Penrith, Alston, Kendal, Windermere/Ambleside, Barrow, Ulverston & South Lakes, Carlisle, Brampton/Longtown, Wigton, Keswick, Cockermouth, West Cumbria, the Solway coast, & Millom.
For deaths that occurred in Penrith, Alston, Kendal,
Windermere/Ambleside, Barrow,
Ulverston, South Lakes areas:01229848966
For deaths that occurred in Carlisle, Brampton/Longtown,
Wigton, Keswick, Cockermouth, West Cumbria, the Solway Coast,
Millom areas: 01900706902
