Where are post mortems carried out UK?
hospital mortuary
Post mortems are usually carried out in the hospital mortuary in a special post-mortem examination room, which is a similar to an operating theatre. In certain circumstances, they may be carried out in the local public mortuary, or in a regional centre for specialist post mortems.
How is a post-mortem performed?
The post-mortem takes place in an examination room that looks similar to an operating theatre. The examination room will be licensed and inspected by the HTA. During the procedure, the deceased person’s body is opened and the organs removed for examination. A diagnosis can sometimes be made by looking at the organs.
Who carried out post mortems?
pathologist
A post-mortem examination or autopsy is an examination of the body following death. It is carried out by a pathologist. These are doctors who are experts in finding out the cause of death. The examination is carried out as soon as possible after death and every effort is made to minimise any delay.
Can you refuse a post mortem UK?
The patient or the next of kin can refuse consent for a hospital post mortem and it cannot be carried out if consent is withheld. The next of kin cannot override a decision made by the patient in life regarding a hospital post mortem. The second circumstance is if a post mortem is directed by the coroner.
Does everybody have a post mortem?
No, in fact, most people do not get an autopsy when they die. In cases of suspicious deaths, the medical examiner or coroner can order an autopsy to be performed, even without the consent of the next of kin.
When would a post mortem be carried out?
The Coroner may ask for a post-mortem examination to be carried out in order to establish the cause of death. In this case, the post-mortem is compulsory and must take place before the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death can be issued.
Can a family request a post mortem?
The Human Tissue Authority recommends that you should be given 24 hours to consider your decision about the post-mortem and that you will be given details of someone to contact if you change your mind. A family can request a hospital post mortem by approaching the clinical team who cared for their relative.
Can the family request an autopsy?
Any family member or close friend of the deceased may ask for an autopsy, but the autopsy must be properly authorized. Additionally, some autopsy examinations are required by law because they fall under the jurisdiction of a coroner, justice of the peace, or medical examiner.
Can post mortem be done after sunset?
Post-mortem can now be performed in hospitals after sunset, however with adequate infrastructure and facilities, said the Union Health Ministry.
Can family request a post mortem?
What is the purpose of a post mortem?
A post-mortem examination, also known as an autopsy, is the examination of a body after death. The aim of a post-mortem is to determine the cause of death. Post-mortems are carried out by pathologists (doctors who specialise in understanding the nature and causes of disease).
Can you see a body before a post-mortem is carried out?
A post-mortem will be carried out as soon as possible, usually within 2 to 3 working days of a person’s death. In some cases, it may be possible for it to take place within 24 hours. Depending upon when the examination is due to take place, you may be able to see the body before the post-mortem is carried out.
Where will a post mortem examination be carried out?
In certain circumstances, they may be carried out in the local public mortuary, or in a regional centre for specialist post mortems. The body will be moved respectfully from the place where the person died to the place where the examination is to be carried out.
Can the next of kin refuse a post-mortem examination?
The next-of-kin has the right to ask for or refuse a post-mortem examination in such a situation. When the cause of death is unknown, and in certain other circumstances, the Coroner is obliged by law to order a post-mortem, in which case the permission of the next-of-kin is not required.