Who are Coroners?

Coroners are independent judicial officers in England and Wales who must follow laws that apply to Coroners and Inquests. They must be a qualified and experienced doctor, solicitor or barrister.

The Coroner’s Service is funded jointly by the local authorities within the Eastern District of London Coroners Jurisdiction.

Her Majesty’s Coroner for the Eastern District of London is Dr Elizabeth Stearns, who is a Doctor and a Barrister at Law.

The Deputy Coroner is Dr William Dolman.

The Assistant Deputy Coroner is Dr Fiona Wilcox.

What do Coroners do?

Coroners inquire into deaths reported to them that appear to be of a violent, unnatural, sudden or unknown cause. The Coroner will seek to establish the medical cause of death.

What is the role of the Coroners Officer?

Coroners Officers work under the direction of the Coroner and liaise with bereaved families, the emergency services, government agencies, doctors, hospitals and funeral directors.

Further information on coroners can be found from the Ministry of Justice.