Le Lézard
Classified in: Health
Subjects: LBR, AVO

Public inquiry says more autopsies will better protect LTC residents, so why is province cutting forensic pathology in Hamilton?


HAMILTON, ON, Aug. 21, 2019 /CNW/ - The spectre of hearses streaming to and from Hamilton, Niagara, Dufferin, Haldimand and Brant to Toronto, challenging Toronto's ability to cope with the rising demand for autopsies and investigations, was raised today by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

Logo: Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) / Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) (CNW Group/Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE))

"The Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of Residents in the Long Term Care Homes System recommended July 31 that many more autopsies be performed on residents who die in long-term care," said Dave Murphy, president of CUPE 7800, which represents staff at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS). "This is new information, unknown when the decision to close pathology at HHS was made and it begs the question, 'how can the provincial government now close a forensic pathology service that is already the second busiest service in Ontario?' Surely, in the face of this new and unexpected demand, the government will reconsider."

The strategic plan for Ontario's Death Investigation System (2015 to 2020) articulates the objective of: "Expanded and improved regional service delivery capacity with more cases being managed locally/regionally." The Hamilton hospital pathology unit currently does death investigations, including homicides, pediatric deaths and overdoses. There are three full-time forensic pathologists in Hamilton, in addition to a team that includes recently hired autopsy technicians.

CUPE has urged the health minister to overrule the closure of the forensic pathology unit. Police, crown prosecutors and medical personnel have expressed serious concerns about the impacts and fears of significant delays in autopsies, investigations and trials.

"This is an example of centralization that makes no sense fiscally, environmentally, or in terms of efficient and timely medical investigation. Closing this unit will not save $3 million annually ? it will shift costs and cause significant and costly delays in police investigations and trials. These new costs will be borne by municipalities and by other ministries," says Michael Hurley, president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Union/CUPE."

"The population of Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant and Dufferin is large enough to warrant a forensic pathology service," said Murphy. "Northern Ireland, with a smaller population, has many more pathologists and they don't work in London, England."

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)


These press releases may also interest you

at 10:10
The group division of Ameritas proudly announces its 17th consecutive certification as a BenchmarkPortal Center of Excellence, solidifying its position as a leader in customer service and support excellence. This prestigious recognition for 2023...

at 10:05
The "Distribution Deals in Diagnostics 2016 to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Distribution Deals in Diagnostics provides a detailed understanding and analysis of how and why companies enter distribution deals....

at 10:00
Driving is the leading cause of work-related death each year in the United States, with nearly 40% of deaths on the job occurring on American roads according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A major contributing factor to road deaths each...

at 10:00
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC (Upsher-Smith) today announced the recent launch of Methimazole Tablets, USP, 5 mg and 10 mg. The Methimazole Tablet market had U.S. sales of approximately $36.8 million for the 12 months ending December 2023 according...

at 10:00
NastLaw LLC announces: If you purchased certain named generic pharmaceutical drugs directly from certain pharmaceutical manufacturers from May 1, 2009 through December 31, 2019, your rights may be affected by proposed class action settlements.A...

at 09:48
Perspire Sauna Studio, one of the country's largest sauna franchises specializing in full spectrum infrared (IR) and red-light therapy (RLT), is rolling out a new sauna design and member experience through the brand's long-standing partnership with...



News published on and distributed by: