Surrey Proposes Digital Post-Mortem Examinations

The coroner’s service in Surrey is seeking to implement digital post-mortem examinations as a solution to escalating expenses, procedural delays, and a scarcity of pathologists. A decision regarding the coroner’s authority to introduce digital post-mortem examinations, utilizing a CT scanner, within the county will be made during a cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Documents prepared for the meeting indicate that the service is “facing significant risks and issues,” rendering the existing operational framework “no longer sustainable.” The report stated that approximately 2,400 post-mortem examinations are conducted annually, but the adoption of a digital alternative could potentially decrease this figure to approximately 600 cases each year. A cabinet report indicated that, drawing on experiences from other regions employing digital capabilities, 70-75% of all post-mortem examinations could potentially be performed digitally. The report specified that out of its annual budget of £4.6m, the coroner’s service allocates approximately £1.5m per year to post-mortem examinations and mortuary services. It further noted, “If the ‘as is’ continues and no investment is made, operational costs for these services will rise at an estimated minimum of £100,000 year-on-year.” Additional challenges identified included a nationwide scarcity of pathologists proficient in invasive post-mortem examinations, a “crisis of capacity” within hospital mortuaries during winter periods, and “delays and distress caused to bereaved families.” The report indicated that such changes would facilitate a swifter release of the deceased to a funeral director appointed by the family, thereby offering a “better experience for the bereaved” and upholding the dignity of the deceased. Furthermore, the report stated that the council would be required to review the conclusions of the Fuller Inquiry to ensure all necessary measures are taken to protect the security and dignity of the deceased. This inquiry had previously advocated for immediate reforms within the funeral sector, prompted by the case where David Fuller subjected corpses, including those of children, to abuse in two Kent morgues over a period of 12 years while employed as a hospital electrician. The report also noted that Surrey’s five prisons, five hospitals, two substantial military barracks, extensive stretches of motorway and railway, its closeness to Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and segments of the River Thames contribute to making it a “busy and complex” coronial area. For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.