New mortuary opens in Paarl
2010-12-02
Lise Beyers
THE long-awaited Paarl Forensic Pathology Laboratory, better known as the mortuary, has finally opened its doors, almost three years behind schedule. The new laboratory adjacent to the TC Newman Hospital in Broadway Road, Charleston Hill, takes over from the archaic facility which has been housed for years behind the Paarl Police Station. It has been replaced with a state-of-the-art facility, but it did take a while to get there. Construction work of the laboratory kicked off early in 2007 and would have been completed by March 2008. But irregularities in the awarding of the construction tenders caused the building work to lag, due to financially troubled contractors. Another tender process then had to be put into place, before another contractor could be found to complete the job. The new facility will act as a referral center for Forensic Pathology cases due to medical investigation that can also be performed at this new venue. It has more spacious waiting areas for members of the public and stakeholders such as the SAPS, a larger dissection area and storage space for forty deceased at a time. Improved infrastructure and equipment for medical investigations include a new X-ray machine, private interview facilities and state of the art machinery. The following information is required from the family when a person passes away of unnatural death: ) Identification: A relative or friend must view the deceased to confirm his/her identity (only at the facility). ) Documentation for identification: A green barcoded ID / passport / birth certificate / Temporary Permit for asylum seekers of the deceased will enable a relative to access and identify the body. ) Sudden and unexpected death: The relative should bring all medical documentation / information or Road to Health Chart (clinic card) regarding the deceased. The opening hours of the new facility are 07:30 - 16:00 on weekdays and an after hours service. The laboratory can be contacted on 021-862-2047/7821, fax - 021 862 8295 and after hours: 078 330 3667.
More
News
|
