The 2024 Coroners Statistics for England and Wales published by the Ministry of Justice provides an overview of deaths reported to coroners and can provide useful insights for health and care providers, patient safety professionals and inquest professionals.
The headline findings
We outline key points from the coroners’ work in 2024.
Decline in deaths reported to coroners
- 174,900 deaths were reported to coroners in 2024, a 10% decrease from 2023 and the lowest since 1995.
- The proportion of registered deaths has decreased to 31% in 2024, a reduction of 3% compared to 2023
Rise in deaths in state detention
- 546 deaths in state detention were reported, an 11% increase, driven by a 16% rise in prison custody deaths, indicating the need
- for government investment and focus.
Post-mortem examination trends
- 46% of reported deaths required post-mortems (81,200 cases), a 6% decrease in absolute numbers
Inquest activity
- 1% fewer inquests were opened in 2024 (36,700 cases)
- Jury inquests comprised just 1% of all inquests
Inquest conclusions remained stable
- 39,600 inquest conclusions were recorded, with:
- Natural causes conclusions fell by 13%
Prevention of Future Deaths reports
A total of 713 PFD reports were issued, a 25% increase from 2023. This significant rise highlights coroners’ increasing appetite to use their statutory powers to drive learning and improve patient safety across health and care systems. PFD reports and the responses to them must be copied to the Chief Coroner, who may publish them on the Judiciary website.
Inquest timelines
Average time to complete an inquest slightly improved to 31.2 weeks (from 31.5 weeks in 2023)
Additional Findings
Natural causes
In 2024 natural causes accounted for 4,900 inquest conclusions, a 13% decrease from 2023 possibly due to an early effect of the statutory medical examiners system introduced in September 2024.
Regional variation
Some regions consistently report higher rates of inquests and PFDs, suggesting differences in local practices or population health profile.
We can help
If you’d like support with an inquest or investigation, do contact us we have a friendly and experienced inquest team and a collection of inquest resources to support you and your staff.
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