National medical examiner system

On 9 September 2024, legislation came into force to ensure there will be an independent review by either a medical examiner or a coroner before a death can be registered. There are no exceptions.

The role of the medical examiner

The majority of deaths must be scrutinised by a medical examiner. Once this scrutiny has been completed, the death can be registered, and a funeral can take place.

Contact the medical examiner

The Medical Examiner’s Office in Sheffield is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm except for bank holidays. A medical examiner is on call 9am to 10am on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays except for Good Friday and Christmas Day.

The Medical Examiner's Office in Barnsley is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm except for bank holidays.

Referrals to the coroner

A death will only be referred to a coroner when one of the following applies:

Once the coroner is made aware of a referrable death, one of their officers will contact the deceased's next of kin to discuss the investigation process.

Contact the Coroner's Service

The Coroner’s Service for Sheffield and Barnsley is located at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield and is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm except for bank holidays. You can contact the Coroner's Service on 0114 273 8721.

Contact the Medico-Legal Centre

0114 273 8721
Monday to Friday
8am to 4pm
Watery Street
Sheffield
S3 7ES

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