Supporting Bereaved Families through the Coroner’s Service

Rochdale Borough Council has launched a series of webpages to assist bereaved families in Rochdale, Oldham and Bury boroughs with matters relating to the Coroner’s Service.

At times of sudden loss families need help and guidance, particularly if an inquest into the circumstances of the death is required. Rochdale Borough Council has launched a new series of web pages to provide information and links to bereavement support to assist families at this difficult time. Inquest information is also posted daily on the site and there is guidance and frequently asked questions to support families and interested parties, such as undertakers, police, healthcare professionals and journalists. Interested parties can also subscribe to the pages and will be informed by email whenever the inquest page is updated.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Townships, said: “We hope that the launch of the new web pages for the Coroner’s Service will assist bereaved families with the information and guidance they need at what is a very difficult time for them.”

The introduction of the new Coroners and Justice Act in July 2013 made changes to the Coronial system to put bereaved families at the heart of the process. The Coroner is required to make inquiries into violent or unnatural deaths, sudden deaths of unknown cause, and deaths in custody.

The Coroner is an independent judicial officer funded and supported by local authorities. This new resource is part of a package of improvements to the Coroner’s Service based in Rochdale, which hosts the Greater Manchester North service that deals with death referrals across Rochdale, Oldham and Bury boroughs.

The web pages can be accessed from www.rochdale.gov.uk/coroners and includes a feedback link so that families can assist with continual improvement of the service.