Refurbished State Mortuary to provide families with answers

• Cook Government's $8.7 million upgrade to State Mortuary complete
• Will increase capacity for forensic pathologists to perform more post-mortem examinations

The Cook Government's $8.7 million upgrade of the State Mortuary is complete, with Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson today joining PathWest to officially open the redeveloped facility.

Through the years, the field of forensic pathology has evolved significantly in Western Australia. PathWest forensic pathologists perform increasingly complex post-mortem examinations and play an integral role in determining the causes of more than 3,100 unexpected or unexplained deaths reported to the State Coroner annually.

The upgraded facilities include a larger and more streamlined admissions area, dedicated homicide suite, expanded autopsy theatres, enlarged storage area, and advanced audio-visual equipment.

The improvements will increase the facility's capacity to perform more post-mortems and contribute to the work carried out by the Office of the State Coroner, WA health system, WA Police Force, WA Department of Justice, and Office of Public Prosecutions.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"The improvements will provide more room for pathologists and staff at the State Mortuary to assist more families find answers to their loved ones' unexpected deaths.

"This is a significant step in the Cook Government's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality forensic pathology services in WA."

Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:

"The State Mortuary's expanded facilities will be beneficial in addressing the evolving demands of the WA Justice system.

"Importantly, it will increase capacity for forensic pathologists to perform more post-mortem examinations that determine the causes of unexplained or unexpected deaths in WA."

Comments attributed to Police Minister Paul Papalia:

"The dedicated homicide suite will enhance the crime autopsy process, as pathologists and police continue to work closely together in solving suspected homicide and suspicious death investigations."