Coroner reports Prevention of Future Death PFD
There were 654 PFD reports issued by coroners in 2025, down 8% compared with 2024.
The annual publication presents statistics of deaths reported to Coroners in England and Wales in 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/coroners-statistics-2025/coroners-statistics-2025-england-and-wales
A Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report is issued by a coroner if there is a concern (arising from the investigation) that action should be taken to reduce or prevent the risk of other deaths occurring in the future. A PFD report is issued to people or organisations whom the coroner believes are in a position to take action.
Collection of data on PFD reports for these statistics started in 2021 (partial year collection). In 2025, there were 654 PFD reports issued – this represents 2% of all inquests concluded and a decrease of 8% in the number of PFDs issued compared with 2024.
All the coroner region issued PFDs in 2025. The London region issued 108, the highest number as a proportion of inquests concluded (3%). London also issued the highest proportion in 2024 (3%). The East Midlands region issued the lowest number of reports (41) as a proportion of inquests concluded (1%). The North East region issued the lowest proportion in 2024 (1%). A further breakdown shows 3 coroner areas issued no PFDs in 2025. PFD reports and the responses to them must be copied to the Chief Coroner, who may publish them on the Judiciary website
Private GP in London and expert for medical legal reports and qualified Medical Examiner RCPathME
Dr Martin Harris