Improvement urged over “patchy” coroner service by community leaders

Jewish community leaders have again pressed the government to improve its “patchy” coroner service, in a meeting with a junior minister.

Prof. David Katz and Jonathan Arkush from the Board of Deputies reiterated concerns to Ministry of Justice Minister Caroline Dinenage MP in Whitehall last week, and pushed the need for a comprehensive out-of-hours service.

“The Government clearly understands our concerns, but the service is patchy,” said Arkush. “We will do everything we can to support their efforts to make the coroner system everywhere smarter.” 

Religious Jews attach great importance to the body of the deceased being treated with respect, said Katz, so a 24/7 service where Jewish people can be buried swiftly and with minimally invasive autopsies was needed.

The meeting coincided with the end of the ministry’s consultation on coroner services, as part of a review being carried out. It follows a series of reforms in 2013, which included inquests being held closer to the homes of the bereaved.