Waterford hospital to use UK pathologists for coroner-directed autopsies in the new year

Coroner-directed post-mortem examinations include deaths which may be suspicious, accidental, or unexpected, as well as maternal deaths

University Hospital Waterford's current service covers Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow. File photo

Pathologists from the UK are expected to carry out services for coroner-directed post-mortem examinations at University Hospital Waterford from next month.

The Irish Examiner revealed in October that consultant pathologists at the hospital will withdraw from conducting coroner-requested autopsies at the morgue in the hospital from January 1. The move was feared to result in lengthy funeral delays, with up to 700 coroner-directed post-mortem examinations held yearly at the hospital.