Minister for Justice does not know where Waterford autopsies will be carried out in New Year
UHW
TD for Tipperary-South, Micheal Murphy put forward a question to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan about the cessation of autopsies in University Hospital Waterford (UHW).
Deputy Murphy asked Minister O’Callaghan to set out the alternative arrangement planned for the South-East region.
Deputy Murphy also asked if the Minister: “Will make urgent representations, in consultation with the Minister for Health, to ensure that this essential service continues to be provided locally, promptly and within the existing modern mortuary facilities at University Hospital Waterford?" Minister O’Callaghan gave a lengthy response.
He began by stating that his Department has no role in the work of pathologists.
The HSE, UHW and now the Department of Justice have all highlighted the grey-area nature of pathology work, with no single governmental institution responsible for their smooth running.
This makes it difficult for local representatives to get a clear answer on what will happen.
Min O’Callaghan stated that: “My Department is responsible for the legislation underpinning the work of coroners, while the provision of the postmortem examination service is largely provided through the health service and its personnel.”
In a letter to Deputy Murphy earlier last month, the HSE wrote: “Consultant Pathologists are employed by the HSE but provide coroner services as independent contractors to the Department of Justice.”
Minister O’Callaghan said: “I am conscious that the situation in University Hospital Waterford, and other hospitals, has reached a critical juncture and an urgent solution is required.”
He made reference to the 2024 governmental approval to draft a Bill on the reform of Coroner services in Ireland but it is unclear when that Bill will be ready and whether it will pass.
He finished his answer by saying: “My Department will continue to work with colleagues in the Department of Health, until a solution to the situation in Waterford hospital is arrived at.”
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