AIBU to expect an autopsy?

[CanadianJohn]

We've had a relative die in Nottingham, in rather strange circumstances.

Julie was 55, unmarried, no children, and was visiting an elderly (86) aunt, also in Nottingham. Julie was feeling unwell on Sunday evening, and went to bed early. The aunt found her dead the next morning.

Apparently, and remember I am getting this thru the confused filter of the elderly aunt, the coroner can't do an autopsy "because Julie didn't have a regular GP". The death has been recorded as "unknown causes".

I'm thinking, ??? For all the police/coroner know, Julie may have been poisoned, smothered, whatever. Surely there should be an autopsy.

Please note I am in Canada, and haven't lived in England for 50 years. I am not at all up-to-date with English procedures.

So, AIBU to expect an autopsy?

That does sound odd. I thought an autopsy was carried out if the person hadn't been seen by a Gp within two weeks. I could be wrong though ( I'm not in the uk either)

There are certain rules as to when a PM will be done. And if someone has died at home and not seen a GP in previous 24 hours they should have a PM. However I am not sure why a PM wouldn't be one if someone does not have a GP. I am sorry for your loss. Could you speak to the funeral director?

Maybe it is 2weeks

I think elderly aunt is a little confused about process for unexpected deaths.

This may help explain things.

YANBU to expect an autopsy in the circumstances you describe.

Perhaps you should contact the local Coroner's Office? I'll have a look...

Here you go. They should be able to clarify things

www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/Coroners

Any unexpected death would be investigated by the police, the coroner would decide if there was enough evidence to issue a death certificate or whether to do a PM. I think there has been some crossed wires here, if someone had been seen by a GP in the previous 2 weeks and the GP felt they could issue a certificate (because of a known health problem) then they would. Very sad for all involved though.