Barnstorming talks by @merryvarney, @DebatINQUEST and @AndyMcCulloch5 at tonight& #39;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">https://uk.bookshop.org/books/why...

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 & #39;recover& #39; 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& #39;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.