The Report of the Fundamental Review of Death Certification and Coroner Services – published 4 June 2003

The Fundamental Review of Death Certification and Coroner Services was set up in July 2001. The Review Group, chaired by Tom Luce, undertook a considerable programme of consultation. They produced The Report of a Fundamental Review 2003 Death Certification and Investigation in England Wales and Northern Ireland published on 4 June 2003, which is available to purchase from The Stationery Office (TSO, PO Box 29, Norwich, NR3 1GN, Telephone: 0870-600-5522) or to download from its website http://www.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm58/5831/5831.htm. Volume 2: Background Papers, was published on 4 July 2003 (http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/docs2/cofundrev.html). (This is not being made generally available in hard copy)

The Report calls for a number of changes to improve efficiency and increase public confidence in death certification and coroner service. Welcoming the report, Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said:

“The coroner system has long laboured under antiquated legal provisions which were never designed to meet the demands of today’s society. The shortcomings within the system have become increasingly evident and it has become essential that we build an effective, supportive and transparent system that commands public respect.”