Forensic Pathology-international perspectives Helen L Whitwell-Durham, 2009

Home Office Accredited Forensic Pathologist- since 1988 Consultant Neuropathologist NHS, Birmingham, Senior Lecturer in Pathology, University of Auckland, NZ, Professor and Head of Department, University of Sheffield, West Midlands Group Practice since 2004

Current situation in England and Wales Mixture of self-employed, University, NHS and Forensic Science Service (whole and part time) Variable departments and mortuary facilities Recruitment and retention issues Governance (?) NPIA-issues of independence within the judicial system Career development Research and teaching

Financial Fee per case Onus on police to decide if a case is suspicious or not

New Zealand model Until early 2000s-mixed with University, health service and private New Zealand-4.2 million population Majority –Auckland

Crisis with recruitment and retention Use of local non forensic pathologists Review lead by Rex Ferris-implemented in 2005

National service model Centrally funded from the Ministry of Justice- salaries, support costs Pathologists contracted to Auckland Health Board (nationally) Current 7 WTE Paediatric pathologist 0.4 Neuropathologist 0.5

Hospital based with access to other medical specialities Cross cover on a national basis

Australia Current national shortage of FPs Variable structure and funding models-eg hospital /University, forensic science providers, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Work out of centrally based units-salaried

Canada-Ontario Toronto plus 4 other units-funded via health service or other employer eg Ottawa-based in the hospital alongside the other pathologists Population 9 million

BAFM Centralised organised service Regional centres

Future Implement stable structure with career development as well as research, teaching and organisational opportunities Salaried service-advantages and disadvantages

Location of service GMC revalidation-essential to have close links with the medical profession Issue of being ‘police pathologists’ Academic work does not fit easily with current university policies Trusts not generally keen to have FP Wider role in death investigation-not in the current system

Central funding via national special health authority model-similar terms to NHS Consultants Potential for development of wider role in autopsy work Essential to be seen to maintain independence as expert witness