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19/10/2006
Inquiry raises concerns over autopsy system
Around a quarter of autopsies performed for coroners are of a poor or unacceptable standard, according to a new study.
In the first ever audit of autopsies performed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) examined 1,691 autopsies, and found that in nearly one in five instances, the cause of death given was questionable. The inquiry team also found that in a third of mortuaries, the pathologist did not necessarily examine the body for external injuries before progressing to examination of the organs.
Moreover, the inquiry found poor communication between coroners and pathologists, with sometimes significant gaps in the information provided by the coroner to the pathologist.
Ian Martin, lead co-ordinator for NCEPOD, said: "There needs to be clear instructions from the coroner to the pathologist that are written so they understand what the questions are from the coroner. A lack of communication leads to a poor standard of service for a large number of individuals who require autopsies."
The study has also called for a review of the autopsy fee, describing the current cost of £87.70 as inadequate, considering that some cases require more tests than standard. Mr Martin added: “We need to be more astute as to the true cost."
Royal College of Pathologists, which had requested NCEPOD investigate autopsy practice, stated: "The college does not condone 'cutting corners' in autopsy practice, but is aware of the pressures placed on many of its members by the current national shortage of suitably trained pathologists, and by other resource constraints.
"Our goal is to develop a coroner's service which is an effective partnership between legal and medical expertise and which is fit for purpose in the 21st century."
(CL)
In the first ever audit of autopsies performed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) examined 1,691 autopsies, and found that in nearly one in five instances, the cause of death given was questionable. The inquiry team also found that in a third of mortuaries, the pathologist did not necessarily examine the body for external injuries before progressing to examination of the organs.
Moreover, the inquiry found poor communication between coroners and pathologists, with sometimes significant gaps in the information provided by the coroner to the pathologist.
Ian Martin, lead co-ordinator for NCEPOD, said: "There needs to be clear instructions from the coroner to the pathologist that are written so they understand what the questions are from the coroner. A lack of communication leads to a poor standard of service for a large number of individuals who require autopsies."
The study has also called for a review of the autopsy fee, describing the current cost of £87.70 as inadequate, considering that some cases require more tests than standard. Mr Martin added: “We need to be more astute as to the true cost."
Royal College of Pathologists, which had requested NCEPOD investigate autopsy practice, stated: "The college does not condone 'cutting corners' in autopsy practice, but is aware of the pressures placed on many of its members by the current national shortage of suitably trained pathologists, and by other resource constraints.
"Our goal is to develop a coroner's service which is an effective partnership between legal and medical expertise and which is fit for purpose in the 21st century."
(CL)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
