Public Bodies Bill [Lords]

Memorandum submitted by Sue Ainsworth (PB 16)

I am writing to the chair of the Public Bodies Bill Committee to express my grave concerns regarding the proposed abolition of the role of the Chief Coroner. I would like to explain why we, as a family support the implementation of this post.

In April of last year we unfortunately had dealings with our local Coroners office following the tragic death of my 21yr old son, Jonathan. Our treatment and the way in which the case was handled left us very distressed and extremely disappointed in the inequalities in our Coronial system. My son died suddenly, and no cause was found at post mortem. Following further research into sudden adult deaths such as ours, i contacted a charity called Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). They informed me that further investigations on Jonathan should have been performed as it is usually a genetic cardiac condition that is responsible for the cause of such deaths. His heart should have been sent for expert cardiac pathology and we should have been approached for permission to retain samples of his DNA in an attempt to ascertain a cause. CRY fund these further investigations and return the heart promptly in time for burial with the deceased. The charity also arrange screening for existing siblings, who are at risk of the same condition but without a cause of death for my son, this screening is more difficult.

On the day of the inquest, I questioned the pathologist and the coroner as to why these investigations had not been performed. Their answers shocked and appalled us tremendously. They stated that as my son was a 21yr old man who had been out with friends the previous night, that they assumed his death was either due to drink and/or drugs. This attitude was not only highly unprofessional, but has placed myself and my daughter at grave risk, not to mention the distress it has caused to us as a family to have someone we loved so dearly, judged in this way.

I feel that if a Chief Coroner were to be implemented, inequalities, such as we encountered would be abolished. Most Coroners nationwide are following recommendations by CRY when tragedies like this occur. Sadly ours was not one of them. I believe that a Chief Coroner is long overdue. The system needs transparency and accountability to end this postcode lottery and provide a Coronial service fit for the 21st century. I am aware that a ministerial board is the proposed way forward. I do agree that a board is a good idea in principal as it would enable more diversity in opinions, but however, I do strongly believe that one person needs to take sole responsibility. This, I believe would ensure greater accountability and continuity, thereby making sure that this unacceptable and unfair practice ceases. Bereaved families have enough to deal with, without compounding their grief when coming into contact with a substandard coronial service.

I do hope that you can understand our eagerness for this post to be retained and give this matter the attention that it deserves.

October 2011