VIDEO: Dr Paul Bedford and Natalie Morgan on VIFM’s Family Health Information Program.

The pathology investigation into a death often uncovers a range of disease processes that the deceased person and their family may not have realised they suffered from.

These disease processes may or may not have contributed directly to their death, but they may indicate a family’s susceptibility to a particular disease. (Some infectious disease may also impose an immediate hazard to family or community members.)

Whilst the forensic autopsy is aimed at providing the Coroner with information regarding the cause of death, this additional health care information has important public health and family health considerations.

Appropriate referral to other medical specialists can enable families to formulate health care strategies to maximise their well-being and, in some cases, hopefully prevent premature death in those affected.

The family’s own general medical practitioner plays a very important part in this process, and the medical staff of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine are very happy to work with the local medical practitioners to maximise the provision of health care to their patients.

The Institute has established relationships with paediatric and adult cardiologists, haematologists and genetic specialists.

Families are supported by our nursing staff who provide information in a clear and sensitive manner customised to the needs of the family followed by referral to the appropriate specialists. At all times the family is able to choose the best road and timing for themselves.

To date more than 600 families have been referred to medical specialists or general practitioners to follow up such findings as undiagnosed cancer, aortic dissection, haemachromatosis and ischaemic heart disease in the young.

We consider this service an intrinsic facet of our practice and one which reflects a commitment to the emotional and physical wellbeing of the living through our work with the deceased.

Back to top