Genealogy Chat

On my grandfather's death certificate it says 'post mortem without inquest'.I think I understand the difference : post mortem is what did he die of? Inquest What did he die of - looks suspicious? In the case of post mortem would any records be available. Where can they be found if so?(Exeter district) Carole

I would think the local health authority would have post mortem details - but doubt somehow that they would let you see them unless you had a really pressing reason - something like suspecting foul play. A post mortem is a technical medical report and isnt likely to tell you anything you would want to know - weight of vital organs etc, condition of liver and brain. OC

Thanks Olde Crone I thought as much - but as he wasn't living alone at the time and died of bronchial pneumonia I thought it strange especially as my grandmother on the other side of the family died in exactly the same circumstances (no post mortem)

Carole You dont say when this was, but as far as I know, for a very long time, a post mortem has to be conducted if the deceased had not been seen by a Doctor in the 48 hours previous to death. My late father had a PM, even though he died after a 52 hour stay in hospital. This was because the hospital had no idea why he had died. OC

A post mortem is usually carried out when the deceased hasn't seen a doctor in the last ten days before death. Sue

Gran died in 1982 after a stay in hospital (why do old people seem to come out of hospital with pneumonia) Will have to ask my Mum if she had been seen by a doctor in the time span you mention. But it's useful information to have; Thanks Granddad in 1983 (no idea of the circumstances)