Provision of Mortuary services to HM Coroner for the County of Staffordshire

The service will accommodate hospital and community deaths in Staffordshire requiring a post-mortem examination following referral by the Senior Coroner. Post-mortem examinations may be undertaken at Royal Stoke University Hospital Mortuary or another appropriate mortuary facility within the relevant pathology service network, as agreed with the Senior Coroner.

The service will also support digital post-mortem examinations where required by the Senior Coroner. This will include appropriate arrangements for the secure holding and transfer of deceased persons to a designated facility for digital imaging and any subsequent examination required.

The service may be required to accommodate additional or non-standard post-mortem examinations, including bariatric cases, prison or deaths in custody, complex cases that cannot be undertaken at the public mortuary, and deaths occurring within emergency departments where a post-mortem examination is required.

The service will support mortuary requirements arising from Bradwell Hospital, Leek Moorlands Hospital, Longton Cottage Hospital and Haywood Hospital.

The service will require effective liaison and coordination with Coroners' Officers, Staffordshire Police, funeral directors, healthcare providers and other relevant organisations involved in the coronial process. This will include communication regarding workload, urgent cases, anticipated delays, transfer arrangements and the release of deceased persons.

The service will be delivered in accordance with all applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards and relevant health and safety, infection prevention and control requirements.