PROCEDURES WHICH MAKEUP CORONER’S MATTER
When the situation becomes a ‘coroner’s matter’, the initial procedure is for the police to arrange a government contractor to transport the deceased to the local morgue, from the place where death occurred. (Costs for transporting the deceased to the coroner’s morgue are paid by the government. No charges are made for the issuance of certificates by the coroner’s office.) In due course (usually 1-5 days) the coroner will complete the findings (post mortem) into the matter. The normal practice, undertaken by the coroner, is to call for a government medical officer’s report. The coroner will also have the forms signed by you and completed with the funeral director. When all legal and medical conditions are met to the satisfaction of the coroner, a Coroner’s Report will be issued. The funeral director, acting on your behalf, will collect the necessary burial or cremation permits. The deceased will then be transported to the funeral director’s mortuary – and arrangements for the funeral may proceed.
Coroner’s Matter Destitute Persons – Cremation or Burial
All procedures and steps, previously described, are also in the case of a deceased destitute person. Funeral costs are met by the Department of Health.