Revised DoH consent forms for postmortem examination
In 2005, in response to the findings of the Northern Ireland Human Organs Inquiry (2002) chaired by John O’Hara QC and in anticipation of the requirements of the newly enacted Human Tissue Act, the department issued four new regional consent forms for post mortem examination: histopathological, baby, child and adult, with accompanying information booklets.
These forms had remained in use since that time and facilitated a much more detailed and informed consent process.
Revision of the forms was necessary following a Human Tissue Authority (HTA) inspection of pathology services in the Belfast and Western Trusts in 2009, when it was identified that a number of amendments were needed to comply with the current requirements of the Human Tissue Act (2004).
A further review was necessary in July 2023 to reflect recommendations from the Inquiry into Hyponatraemia Related Deaths (IHRD, January 2018), changes to the NI Regional Paediatric Pathology Service (January 2019) and revised Human Tissue Authority (HTA) Codes of Practice (June 2023).
- hospital postmortem examination of a baby
- hospital postmortem examination of an adult or child
- early pregnancy loss - record of burial or cremation arrangements
- Bereavement guidance after the experience of a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death
- consent for hospital PME regional policy
- HSS(MD) 52/2023 – 26 October 2023 – Consent for Hospital Post-Mortem Examination