THE department responsible for holding hearings into sudden or unexplained deaths is working at “maximum capacity” in most areas, with further pressure expected from inquests linked to rheumatology treatment and the Haut du Mont explosion.
Viscount Mark Harris warned that further budget cuts would be unfeasible without affecting services, as his department faces growing workloads and an expected increase in criminal cases under new violence against women and girls legislation.
At least 60 inquest cases are expected to be carried into next year – excluding any potential inquests arising from the review of rheumatology treatment and those to be scheduled after criminal proceedings relating to the Haut du Mont explosion have concluded. The gas explosion on 10 December 2022 killed ten Islanders.
An employment tribunal ruling that former senior rheumatology consultant Dr Michael Richardson was fairly dismissed – published earlier this week – revealed that the relatives of 33 deceased rheumatology patients received letters informing them of “catastrophic” harm.
All 33 cases were all referred to the Viscount’s Department, which will independently determine whether formal inquests are required in each of the deaths.
In a submission to the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel, Advocate Harris listed the investigation of the deaths relating to rheumatology treatment among the “unexpected and exceptional matters” affecting his department.
The department completed 100 inquests in 2025, compared with 51 in 2021. Another 72 have been completed so far this year.
Advocate Harris explained: “The greater complexity of deaths in Jersey in recent years means that a larger number require detailed investigation and oversight, resulting in longer inquests with more taking place over several days.”
A part-time Assistant Viscount/Coroner appointed in August last year had proved “crucial” in responding to rising workloads, he added.
The department also co-ordinated disaster victim identification and the mass-fatality emergency response following Haut du Mont, while the subsequent trial involved Jersey’s largest-ever jury empanelment.
Meanwhile, proposed Budget funding would provide an additional court officer, a court services officer and expenses associated with more jury trials to accommodate the anticipated impact of new violence against women and girls laws.
The department currently has two dedicated court officers, while jury selection is administered by staff within its small Coroner and Court Services Team.
“As it stands, the department has sufficient resources to undertake enforcement functions effectively,” said Advocate Harris.
“However, the department is working to maximum capacity in most areas and if there were to be significant changes that affected the workload of the department, there is a clear risk that additional resource would be required.
“We continue to carefully monitor the likely impact of developments so that we can plan our resourcing needs accordingly.”
Advocate Harris had identified a proposed £40,000 saving for 2027 at the Treasury Minister’s request.
However, he warned: “It is unfeasible that it would be able to deliver further cost savings to the core budget while providing the current level of service.”
