Following the publication of The Patronising Disposition of Unaccountable Power: Independent Review of Forensic Pathology report, Dr Bernie Croal, President of The Royal College of Pathologists said:
‘Glenn Taylor’s report sets out in detail the absence of information, understanding and empathy experienced by the families in the face of the Hillsborough tragedy. Many of the findings set out in the report still shock today and, although the report recognises that practice has greatly improved, further improvements are still needed.
‘As a College, we will carefully consider the recommendations in the report and focus on those areas where we can support change. We must strive to ensure that those who have died are treated with respect and dignity and those who have been bereaved are treated with empathy, sensitivity and understanding, and that we try our hardest to answer their questions’
The College welcomes the recognition from the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Yvette Cooper, that there needs to be resilience in pathology services, and a review of the structure of pathology in England and Wales. The recommended increase in in the number of forensic pathology trainees to eight is welcome, and is the commitment to keep the situation kept under review.
The College believes that any such review must encompass the coroner service. We have long-supported the establishment of specialised centres of excellence where post-mortems would be carried out, and the introduction of a National Coroners Service to provide consistent and high-quality services in England and Wales. Today, bereaved families experience a service that is fragmented, disjointed and inconsistent in its standards and delivery. It is vital that post mortem services, and the accurate investigation and certification of death, are seen as part of the wider patient safety landscape.
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