pathology services handbook - St George's Healthcare NHS Trust

• Cases associated with lack of care or neglect.
• Deaths which might have been caused by an industrial injury or disease.
• Deaths in custody, including deaths in hospital of prisoners from whatever cause
• Maternal deaths and deaths due to abortion
• Suicide
• Cases where the cause of death is not known
NB: There is no 24 hour rule, but it is advisable to contact Coroners’ officers where
death occurs shortly after admission to hospital even if the cause of death is known
The Battersea Coroners Officer’s phone number is 020 7641 5305.
For advice on death and post mortems in general, contact the Mortuary on ex 5240
(Monday to Friday) and ask to speak to the Consultant Pathologist on post mortems.
For advice on cremation certificates, contact Bereavement Services on ex 3411/2716/2819
3.7.4 Viewing of Deceased Patients
• Viewing of Deceased by Next of Kin
The relatives of the deceased should be informed that appointments are necessary.
To Arrange a Viewing within Working Hours contact the Mortuary on 5240 to arrange an
appointment.
• Out of Hours Viewing
Out of hours viewing is only permitted under exceptional circumstances and must be done
with reference to the Coroner’s officers if the case has or will be referred to them.
Out of hours viewings can only be arranged through the duty bed manager after discussion
with the mortuary technician on call.
3.7.5 Organ and Tissue Donation
Contact the In-House Trust Organ and Tissue Donation Co-ordinator via the Trust
switchboard. Consent forms are required for both organ and tissue donation.
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