Coroner autopsy crisis could hamper criminal investigations, surgeons warn

The Royal College of Surgeons' pathology department report noted that the Office of the State Pathologist does not have its own mortuary, so it relies on access to HSE and hospital mortuaries. File picture: Dan Linehan

Criminal investigations could be hampered without action on issues affecting coroner-directed autopsy examinations. 

The Royal College of Surgeons' pathology department published a scathing report on services, as plans to end coroner-directed autopsy examinations by Waterford University Hospital staff from January 1 were revealed.