Post-mortem
What is a post-mortem?
A post-mortem is sometimes called an autopsy. It is a thorough internal and external medical examination by a specialist medical practitioner, known as a pathologist, and is usually conducted at a hospital mortuary. At times, the coroner may require a lesser examination. Not all hospitals have a mortuary where a post-mortem can be conducted, so the deceased may be transported to a larger town nearby.
The family will not incur any costs for transporting the deceased to the mortuary and back to the original location for the purposes of undertaking a post-mortem.
What about our cultural beliefs?
Some cultures and faiths do not approve of a post-mortem being carried out on their loved one. If a coroner directs a post-mortem it is to ensure that the cause of death is fully understood. The concerns of the family are respected, and the deceased is treated with the utmost respect and dignity throughout the whole coronial process. If the family so desires, and if authorised by the coroner, a doctor, nurse, funeral director or any other person may be able to attend a post-mortem as a representative of the family. Any costs associated with attendance at a post-mortem are the responsibility of the family.
Why is a post-mortem done?
There are many factors that influence the coroner when deciding whether a post-mortem should be performed. Some of the most important of these decisions are:
- the need for more details to establish the cause of death;
- whether there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death; and
- the desirability to minimise distress to the family due to their cultural or spiritual beliefs.
If the coroner decides to direct a post-mortem, the immediate family or their representative will be notified immediately and, in most cases, given an opportunity to advise the coroner of any objections.
How long will a post-mortem take?
Every effort is made to conduct a post-mortem quickly so that the coroner can authorise the release of the deceased. This usually means examination on the next working day with release of the deceased that same day. Coroners can authorise a 'forthwith' examination for certain cases, or on public holidays and weekends. Sometimes there is a requirement for a more detailed or specialist analysis to help establish the cause of death, particularly in suspicious deaths, and this may result in a delay of one to three days before release. Although many ancillary tests may be made later on minute samples taken even in routine examinations, this does not mean the deceased cannot be released.
Retaining body parts
Before releasing the deceased to the family, the coroner will advise the family of any request from the pathologist to retain any organs or body samples for further analysis. The family has the right to request any body parts be returned to them, where safe to do so, once the pathologist has finished any further analysis. Minute samples that are taken for analysis are often used up during the testing process.
The post-mortem report
The results from the post-mortem are very important to the coroner's investigation into the death. Once the pathologist determines the exact cause of death, a report will be provided to the coroner who will then decide whether an inquest is necessary. The immediate family will be notified once the post-mortem report is available and may request a copy free of charge. This will be given providing that release of the report will not prejudice any ongoing Police investigation. Due to the possible graphic content and the complex medical language in the report, it is recommended that the report be released to the family doctor who can discuss it with you.
Right to object to a post-mortem
The coroner is required by law to notify the immediate family or the family representative of the decision to direct a post-mortem. The immediate family has a right to object to the post-mortem EXCEPT:
- where the death is a result of conduct that constitutes a criminal offence; OR
- where any other New Zealand or international law requires a post-mortem to be carried out; OR
- if the coroner has directed a post-mortem be performed immediately because any delay would or may limit the pathologist's ability to determine cause of death.
Any objection must be lodged with the coroner within 24 hours of receiving notification of the coroner's decision. The family should advise the coroner of the reasons for any objection by phoning the number provided by the coroner when first advised of the decision. If you have any concerns, please contact the Police or Victim Support.
If the family raises an objection, the coroner must review the decision on whether to continue with a post-mortem. If the coroner is satisfied that a post-mortem is still necessary, the immediate family has 48 hours to lodge an objection with the High Court under section 34(3) of the Coroners Act 2006. The objection will be dealt with by the High Court as a matter of priority and urgency and allocated a hearing date on the next working day.
To lodge an objection with the High Court, please contact your local Coronial Services Co-ordinator who will advise you who to contact to proceed with an objection in the High Court.
If you wish to object to a post mortem, do not set a date for the funeral as the objection process may take some time.
Release of the deceased
Once the legal and medical requirements are complete the coroner will authorise the release of the deceased.
