Written Question·Department of Health and Social Care·UIN 74430

Hospitals: Coroners

Tabled: 2 September 2025
Answered: 8 September 2025
Named Day

Question

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

LabourClapham and Brixton Hill

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether it is NHS policy to carry out an inquest if a patient dies within 48 hours of being admitted to hospital.

Answer

Karin Smyth
Inquests are not NHS policy but are instead a matter for coroners. All deaths in England (and Wales) that are not referred to a coroner are considered by an independent Medical Examiner. Where there are any concerns about healthcare provided to the deceas...

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