Genealogy Chat

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)

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

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

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)

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

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