Shipman lawyer Ann Alexander welcomes Government reform of Coroners system
12/06/2006
Thank you very much for all your hard work, especially as the outcome is better than expected. Can't thank you enough.
Shana, Wiltshire
Alexander Harris today welcomed Government plans to shake up the archaic coroners system in England and Wales.
Coroner Reform: The Government's Draft Bill was published today by the Department of Constitutional Affairs.
Alexander Harris represented over 200 families of people murdered by Harold Shipman.
However they said there had not yet been enough consultation with those most affected by the reforms.
They also raised concerns as to why it has taken 3 years to publish the Bill since recommendations to change the system were first outlined by the Shipman Inquiry.
The proposals in today's draft Coroners Reform Bill include the appointment of a Chief Coroner to oversee the work of all coroners. In addition, relatives will be allowed the right to a second opinion on death certification.
Part-time coroners are to be abolished and replaced by a system of full-time, legally qualified coroners.
"These reforms are long overdue, and they are only part of the reforms needed to ensure that another Shipman cannot be allowed to happen," said Alexander Harris.
"It is imperative that that all of Dame Janet Smith's recommendations concerning what happens when someone dies are addressed, not just the Coroners system."
In the third Shipman Inquiry Report, published in July 2003 Dame Janet Smith, Chairman of the Inquiry considered the present system for death and cremation certification and for the investigation of deaths by coroners, together with the conduct of those who had operated those systems in the aftermath of the deaths of Shipman's victims. Dame Janet's recommendations included an improved system of death investigation and certification and, in particular, reform to the cremation regulations.
"Shipman was a doctor who avoided the law whilst murdering his patients by exploiting all the loopholes in the current system. This bill will go a long way towards closing one of these loopholes, but others remain and require urgent attention."
"On behalf of the families, who fought long and hard for a public Inquiry into the Shipman tragedy, I am calling on the Government to implement all the reforms recommended by the Shipman Inquiry,".
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