HSE says there is a global shortage of pathologists. What will happen in Waterford?
UHW
Yesterday, it was revealed that University Hospital Waterford would no longer be performing coroner-requested autopsies, causing concern that families will face delays in having their loved ones' bodies returned.
Waterford Coroner John Goff told the Waterford News and Star yesterday that "The HSE has made this problem for themselves”. He explained that by combining Kilkenny, Wexford, Tipperary and Waterford, it has created the biggest mortuary in the country.
In response to these comments, the HSE issued a statement to Waterford News and Star.
They said that in November 2024, University Hospital Waterford (UHW) informed the Department of Justice in writing that the Consultant Pathologists at the Hospital would not be in a position to provide coroner requested post-mortems from January 2026.
The HSE claims that there is a global shortage of appropriately qualified pathologists willing to provide autopsy services.
The HSE employs Consultant Pathologists but provides coronial post-mortems at the direction of coroners as independent contractors to maintain the necessary independence of this service from the HSE.
The HSE will also continue to provide mortuary facilities and support staff for coronial and state (forensic) post-mortems.
The HSE said that both Hospital Management and Consultants at UHW remain available to the Department for Justice for discussion and advice on the matter.
It is not yet clear what the new arrangement will be.
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