Hospital Post-Mortem

Sometimes the treating doctor or the family of a person that has died wish to have a post-mortem to find out more about what has led to their illness/death. It may also help in caring for patients in the future.

If the next of kin is sure that the deceased did not have any objections to the examination when they were alive; they can sign the consent form. It is not always necessary to examine all of the body and a limited post-mortem can be completed, however this could restrict the findings.

You do not have to have a hospital post-mortem and it is up to you if this is to take place or not.

The post-mortem examination is carried out sympathetically and should generally not delay funeral arrangements. Please tell the funeral director that this examination is taking place. The report is then sent to the Consultant who looked after your relative; it may take many weeks or perhaps months for this report to be completed.