England and Wales
In England and Wales, all sudden deaths should be investigated by the Coroner. Recent reforms in the coronial system have meant Coroners have the power to make a special ruling under regulation 28 (formally known as rule 43). This is where the coroner considers a death may be avoidable and where future deaths could be prevented if specific actions are put in place. The aim of a regulation 28 is to draw the attention of local health bodies or other agencies to an area of concern and to seek their response by completing a report to prevent future deaths (also known as PFD reports).
Coronial rulings on avoidable epilepsy deaths
Coroner ruling pre-2013
2011 Inquest into death of James Stephens
Scotland
In Scotland sudden deaths are investigated by a Procurator Fiscal. Occasionally the Procurator Fiscal will highlight an issue of public interest to the Crown Office and recommend a public inquiry. The aim of a public inquiry is to make recommendations to protect the public interest.
2011 Inquiry into the deaths of Erin Casey and Christina ilia
2002 Inquiry into the death of Colette Findlay
