Requirements for the facilities and operation of mortuaries

This document outlines the minimum best practice for mortuaries in hospitals and forensic units, including design, construction and provision of services. It provides guidelines for pathologists, mortuary staff and hospital and health administrators on recommended standards, including communication between staff involved in autopsy procedures or autopsy-related processes and the relatives of deceased persons and other appropriate persons.

Main sections:

- Professional and ethical conduct in the mortuary

- Organisation and management

- Building design

- Personnel facilities

- Dealing with the deceased

- Responding to bereaved relatives

- The autopsy

- Reports on autopsy findings

- Organ and tissue retention and disposal