- The first dedicated post-mortem CT scanner for the PathWest State Mortuary an essential tool in determining the cause of unexplained or unexpected deaths in WA
- Deaths in certain unexplained or unexpected circumstances must be investigated by the State Coroner
Attorney General John Quigley today officially opened the PathWest State Mortuary’s first CT scanner.
The State Government allocated $1.1 million for the scanner, plus a further $1.2 million over four years for staffing and maintenance costs.
The scanner is the first for the PathWest State Mortuary, which is involved in more than 2,500 State Coroner’s cases each year, and will contribute to a more efficient State coronial system.
The images and 3D renderings provided by the scanner will enable forensic pathologists to see internally and potentially identify cause of death, without always having to perform an invasive post-mortem examination.
Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:
"Losing a loved one is traumatic enough. If the use of this CT scanner saves some WA families from additional grief, it is money well spent.
"Each year the State Mortuary is involved in more than 2,500 coronial investigations and we know that this number is increasing each year.
"The extra resource is part of the McGowan Government’s ongoing commitment to reduce the backlog of cases in the Coroner’s Court. We are conscious that behind every case is a grieving family waiting for answers.
"We will also see benefits in our court system, with the ability to provide enhanced images and three-dimensional rendering where graphic photographs would otherwise be deemed inappropriate to be shown to a jury."
Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:
"This is a game changer for the PathWest State Mortuary, with the state-of-the-art CT scanner providing greater detail and revealing forensic evidence much faster than a conventional autopsy examination.
"This advancement in forensic medical examination and imaging technology also means that fewer grieving WA families will have to contemplate an invasive examination of their loved one to establish a cause of death.
"This is also another excellent example of cross-agency collaboration between WA Health, Department of Justice and the WA Police Force – working together to deliver an outcome which will benefit the people of WA."
Media Contacts:
Attorney General’s office – 6552 6800
Health Minister’s office – 6552 6500
