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Barnstorming talks by @merryvarney, @DebatINQUEST and @AndyMcCulloch5 at tonight's book launch, chaired by @caoilfhionnanna. They all spoke about the horrible and inexplicable way some Coroners treat bereaved families. (Buy the book!) https://uk.bookshop.org/books/why-can-t-you-hear-me-our-autistic-daughter-s-struggle-to-be-understood/9781787755086
I usually have to apologise to my clients about how they (and often how I) have been treated by the Coroner. It takes me about a week to 'recover' from each inquest. Often my bereaved clients are further traumatised by the inquest process, which is completely bonkers.
Deb speaks about the common experience of families at inquests: a "shameful practice lacking in empathy and compassion and a lack of understanding of the law". That rings true.
Plus there's the ludicrous injustice of no automatic non-means tested legal aid for families (whereas hospitals and private orgs always have lawyers). No pre-inquest independent investigation of deaths in mental health and learning disability hospitals/homes, etc.
Inquests are the wild west of the law. The coronial system is not fit for purpose and requires root and branch reform.
