Deaths to Be Reported to the Procurator Fiscal
The following is a list of deaths, which must be reported to the Procurator Fiscal:
1. Any uncertified death (i.e. for which the clinician is unable or unwilling to issue a death certificate).
2. Any death which is sudden and unexpected, or which is due to any violent, suspicious or unexplained cause.
3. Any death resulting from an accident at work or arising out of the use of a vehicle, or involving burns or scalds, or a fire or an explosion, or of any other similar cause. This includes deaths occurring as a late result of trauma i.e. months afterwards.
4. Any death due to poisoning, including drug overdose (even as a late result).
5. Any death resulting from an industrial disease (see Appendix VI).
6. Any death where the circumstances indicate that suicide is a possibility.
7. Any death where there are indications that it occurred as a result of medical mishap (see Appendix VII).
8. Any death following an abortion or attempted abortion.
9. Any death where the circumstances seem to indicate fault or neglect on the part of another person (e.g. hypothermia).
10. Any death occurring while the deceased was in legal custody.
11. Any death occurring as a result of food poisoning or a notifiable infectious disease.
12. Any death of a foster child.
Please Note:
There is no requirement to inform the Procurator Fiscal if a death occurs within the first twenty-four hours following admission to hospital unless the death falls into one of the above categories.
This list is illustrative and not comprehensive. If in doubt, discuss the case with the Procurator Fiscal Death's Unit (247 2831) or phone the Forensic Medicine Unit, (University ext. 503281) for advice.