This is a course for all healthcare staff who may have to give evidence at a coroner’s inquest, plus those who need to support them in such circumstances (including Heads of Clinical Service, Clinical Directors, Matrons, Clinical Governance Managers, and Patient Safety leads). This one-day course is designed to provide delegates with the key skills and knowledge required to be a confident and capable witness at a coroner’s inquest, or to support colleagues who are required to do so.
The course will cover topics such as the role of the coroner, the purpose of an inquest, how to prepare witness statements, how to prepare for the inquest hearing itself, and how to give factual witness evidence in court. The emphasis will be on practical understanding, aided by exercises in statement writing and giving evidence, delivered in a safe and supportive environment. Reports in recent years (CQC, NHS Improvement, NHS Resolution) have repeatedly called for additional support for staff involved in serious incidents, which may often include involvement in coronial processes. This course provides such support in an interactive setting, with ample opportunities for questions and practical learning.
“Being involved in an inquest creates understandable anxiety. It can be an unpleasant experience, for both witnesses and family. It is reassuring to know that most witnesses feel that their anxiety was overstated when looked at after the event.”
Health Education England
Key Learning Points
- Understanding the role of the Coroner
- What is a Coroner’s inquest?
- How to provide a good witness statement
- Preparing yourself/your staff for an inquest
- How an inquest works in practice
- Giving effective evidence in court,
- Inquest conclusions, PFD reports, and links with Serious Incident investigations
