Following the enactment of the Coroners Bill in January 2020, coroners now have stronger powers of investigation in relation to maternal, perinatal and infant death. Under the new rules, it is mandatory for such deaths to be reported to the Coroner.

If you find yourself in a situation where you were the main professional provider of care to the deceased you may be the most appropriate person to notify the death to the Coroner. Your employer will have guidelines in place to direct you on your responsibilities. As a nurse or midwife it is important to be familiar with the new policies and understand how they relate to you.

Fortunately these occasions are rare, but for those dealing with such tragic cases it is also important to take time to get any support you need. Your employer or other staff organisations will also be able to help you with this.