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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2017
Question
Will the Chief Minister request confirmation from the Viscount's Department of how many inquests (following sudden death) have taken place since January 2016; what the average waiting time is for inquests to be completed; how many inquests have taken more than three months to complete; and how many have taken more than six months?
Answer
The Deputy Viscount has confirmed that in the period from 1 January 2016 to 3 October 2017, there were a total of 288 reported cases of sudden or unexpected death and 63 inquests were held. As at 3 October 2017 there are 30 inquest cases due to be held, of which 16 cases are where the death occurred more than six months ago.
The aim is to complete all inquests as soon as possible following the date of death and, in any event, within a period of six months of that date. This reflects the target time for the holding of inquests in England & Wales (although the law and procedure is different). However, the six month target time may not be met for a number of legitimate reasons such as ongoing criminal proceedings; or the need to wait for information and reports, such as specialist accident investigator reports, or serious incident reviews; the availability of experts and witnesses; and the needs of the family of the deceased.
Further information on waiting times is not currently collected and collated, but more detailed information about the coroner service is contained in the Court Service Annual Report 2016, which can be found in the reports and documents section at www.gov.je/viscount, and the Viscount and the Deputy Viscount are content to discuss these matters with any Member.