Post Mortem in Hospital

starWave

Does anyone know if a post mortem needs to be requested after a death in a hospital (intensive care), or if it is standard to have one without a request by the family?

username123

Generally I think a post mortem only happens when cause of death is not signed off by a doctor at the time of death. If someone is actually in a hospital it may have been signed off by a doctor and you may have to request one. Im not quite sure what the procedure is as far as intensive care goes.

Mikros

When a death is due to natural causes, and the doctor can certify the cause of death, a post-mortem is not required.

If there is any aspect of the patient’s illness needing clarification, the doctor or the next-of-kin may think a post-mortem is desirable. The next-of-kin has the right to ask for or refuse a post-mortem examination in such a situation. That means consent is required.

When the cause of death is unknown, and in certain other circumstances, the Coroner is obliged by law to order a post-mortem, in which case the permission of the next-of-kin is not required. These would typically involve sudden, non natural or violent deaths.

jimmycrackcorm

If you have any doubt then request a post mortem. Don't assume the hospital will do one. My OH is a nurse and from the stories she has told me there's a lot going on that should be exposed.