An expansion of the State Mortuary — the first major work on it since it was opened in the 1970s — is expected to enable a more streamlined post-mortem process.
The redevelopment is expected to include state-of-the-art post-mortem theatres and a dedicated crime suite, also with a larger and more streamlined admissions area, enhanced audio-visual equipment and a dedicated infectious autopsy theatre.
Minister for Health, Amber-Jade Sanderson said the work would ensure the mortuary was future-proofed to continue delivering high quality and efficient post-mortem services.
“Pathologists in the State Mortuary perform an essential role, providing post-mortem examinations to assist in the investigation of more than 3,100 unexpected and/or unexplained deaths reported to the State Coroner each year,” Ms Sanderson (pictured) said.
Attorney General, John Quigley said the expanded facilities would increase capacity to perform a greater number of post-mortems, contributing to a more efficient State coronial system.
“It will inform the work carried out by the wider WA health system, the Police Force, and the Department of Justice and Office of Public Prosecutions through its criminal case work,” Mr Quigley said.
“These works are a key to the Government’s ongoing commitment to streamlining the justice system,” he said.
“It follows the purchase of a new CT scanner for the Coroner’s Court three years ago, which performed more than 3,000 non-invasive scans in 2021-22,” the Attorney General said.
