When a newborn dies the hospital must, by law, inform the coroner. In Northern Ireland stillbirths and neonatal deaths must be reported to the coroner.
It is not common for a coroner to open an inquest into the death of a newborn in hospital but if they do, they may ask for a post-mortem.
If the coroner is concerned about the circumstances of the baby’s death being suspicious, they will open an investigation and then possibly an inquest, which is a fact-finding inquiry around a death. The results may not be ready for up to 12 weeks, and sometimes may take even longer than this.
If there is an inquest, a baby’s parents will be given the details of when and where it will take place. You may be called in as a witness, in which case you must attend. There may be healthcare professionals called in as witnesses too. You can ask any questions you have at the inquest.
Once all investigations are over, the coroner will inform the Registrar of Births and Deaths. You will then be able to have the certificates that you need to organise your baby’s funeral.