Dr Rachel Gibbons
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Preparation for the Coroner's Court

For clinicians, coroners' inquests raise complex personal, professional, and systemic issues. This page brings together resources to help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to navigate the process with care and confidence. Whether you are giving evidence, supporting others, or reflecting on your role, these materials are here to guide you through the journey with clarity and compassion.

Millie Tamworth's Review 

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The following resources are taken from Millie Tamworth's review critiquing the publicly available guidance for mental health practitioners called to a coroner's inquest and offering a list of her own guidance. Read the full article here. 
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Tamworth, M., Billings, J., Tekin, S., Pitman, A., Jacobson, J., & Killaspy, H. (2025). A systematic review and critique of publicly available guidance for mental health practitioners called to a coroner’s inquest. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 1–36.
See more

Videos and recorded webinars 

Here you'll find a list of videos and recorded webinars which are a good way to familiarise yourself with the whole process. 
  • Giving evidence
  • Understanding investigations
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​Giving evidence remotely at an coroners inquest for clinical witnesses
​Browne Jacobson (2023) law firm
Watch here
Inquests: Top tips and advice for the medical witness
​University of Plymouth et al., (2020) multiple stakeholders
Watch here
Avoiding criticisms at the coroner's inquest​
​MDU (2022) Third party indemnity
Watch here
​Understanding coroners' investigations​
​MDU (2020) Third party indemnity
Watch here

Derek Tracy's Book 

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A clear, accessible introduction to the coroner’s court for clinicians and mental health professionals. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and how to give evidence with confidence and clarity: 
'Practical and straightforward, this book aims to make the unfamiliar territory of the coroner's court transparent, enabling clinicians to negotiate all eventualities. It will provide clinicians with the confidence to turn what can feel like an adversarial situation into an opportunity to engage with an important part of the healthcare system, preventing future deaths and providing understanding to relatives. It also explores the underlying necessity of complying with requirements and suggests ways to cope with the emotional impact. With chapters covering expert witnesses, legal perspectives and managing outcomes, this book is essential for any healthcare professional called to an inquest.'
Read here

The Voicing Loss Website 

​A powerful project exploring how bereaved families experience inquests after state-related deaths. This resource gives voice to those often unheard in the process and offers vital insights for professionals seeking to understand the emotional and social impact of inquests.
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Dr Rachel Gibbons
  • Home
  • Resources
    • Patient Suicide Resources
    • Patient Homicide Resources
    • Coroners Court Preparation
  • Talks
  • Contact