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. They 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 then responsible for establishing the cause of death and considering whether to order a post mortem and/or hold an inquest. The Coroner is helped by his/her officer, one of whom will contact you shortly.

The Coroner’s Officers

The Coroner’s Officers for Torbay and South Devon are in Torquay and are contactable at:

       Torbay Hospital
       Lawes Bridge
       Torquay
       TQ2 7AA

       Tel: 01803 655255 or 655205

       Office Hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
       Out of Office Hours: Please contact Devon and Cornwall Police - 08452 777444

	Torbay & South Devon's Coroner Information about Torbay & South Devon's Coroner including basic contact details of people involved in death certification and investigation. Last updated: 04/04/2008 (55 KB)
	Someone Has Died Information on why the Coroner may be involved following a persons death. Last updated: 04/04/2008 (27 KB)
	Torbay & South Devon's Coroner Service Charter Details of what standards of performance are to be expected in the Coroner service, and what to do if something goes wrong. Last updated: 23/04/2008 (40 KB)
	Working with the Torbay & South Devon Coroner A guide for Medical Practitioners It is likely to be of assistance to others dealing with the bereaved in understanding the Coroner's role in dealing with sudden and unexpected deaths. Last updated: 04/04/2008 (75 KB)

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