NSW Health Pathology has defended its system of sending deceased persons from the Riverina to Newcastle for autopsies.
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Multiple Riverina families have complained about delays of two weeks or more in getting their loved ones’ remains returned from Wagga’s morgue for funeral services.
A statement from the government organisation, which handles medical and forensic testing across the state, said the arrangement was need to maintain the quality of results.
“Coronial autopsies are usually carried out within 24 to 72 hours of the deceased being admitted to NSW Health Pathology’s specialist facilities with deceased patients transported by road via Statewide Mortuary Transfers,” the statement said.
“Timeframes can sometimes vary depending on the nature and complexity of each case, the type of tests required, and the direction from the coroner.
“This is not typically related to the transfer to our dedicated facilities.
“In 2016/17, there were 36 coronial autopsies conducted at our Newcastle facility on deceased patients from Wagga Wagga and 31 of these were released within 72 hours.”
Gundagai resident Jill Jones was left waiting for 15 days to bury her son Mark after a tragic car accident in July last year.
Mrs Jones said she was “shocked” by NSW Health Pathology’s “cold-hearted” defense of transporting bodies and was now more determined to continue her family’s campaign for changes at Wagga morgue.
Mrs Jones said she had a “positive” discussion with Wagga MP Joe McGirr about the issue and said he was keen to establish training for a local physicians to perform autopsies.
In March, the family of Stephen Ross were left waiting for six weeks after the 57-year-old Ardlethan truck driver died unexpectedly at Wagga Base Hospital.
The Ross family requested a non-coronial autopsy, which was delayed due to a misunderstanding over consent paperwork.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard was last month asked in Parliament why it was acceptable to have “long delays for grieving families” as their loved ones were transported on a 13 to 18-hour return journey by road.
The Daily Advertiser contacted Paul Green, the Christian Democrats MP who asked the question, and Mr Hazzard's office but did not receive replies from either.
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