Part 1Coroners etc
Chapter 1Investigations into deaths
Ancillary powers of coroners in relation to deaths
I114Post-mortem examinations
1
A senior coroner may request a suitable practitioner to make a post-mortem examination of a body if—
a
the coroner is responsible for conducting an investigation under this Part into the death of the person in question, or
b
a post-mortem examination is necessary to enable the coroner to decide whether the death is one into which the coroner has a duty under section 1(1) to conduct an investigation.
2
A request under subsection (1) may specify the kind of examination to be made.
3
For the purposes of subsection (1) a person is a suitable practitioner if he or she—
a
is a registered medical practitioner, or
b
in a case where a particular kind of examination is requested, a practitioner of a description designated by the Chief Coroner as suitable to make examinations of that kind.
4
Where a person informs the senior coroner that, in the informant's opinion, death was caused wholly or partly by the improper or negligent treatment of a registered medical practitioner or other person, that practitioner or other person—
a
must not make, or assist at, an examination under this section of the body, but
b
is entitled to be represented at such an examination.
This subsection has no effect as regards a post-mortem examination already made.
5
A person who makes a post-mortem examination under this section must as soon as practicable report the result of the examination to the senior coroner in whatever form the coroner requires.