FORENSIC PATHOLOGY - an introduction to the issues Dr. Nigel Cooper Newcastle University 22 nd April 2009 Durham

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY “The study of disease which is of legal importance” –Trauma –“Simple” injuries; head injuries –Firearm injuries –Road traffic deaths –Asphyxia, drowning –Heat, cold and electrocution –effects of trauma –Alcohol and drugs –Deaths relating to medical treatment –Sudden death (adults, children, in pregnancy) –Suspicious death

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY Forensic Procedure 1.Death ?suspicious 2.Information for F.P. 3.?Scene visit 4.?Radiography 5.The P.M. 6.Further tests 7.Information from F.P. Strategic Issues 8.Finance 9.Governance and regulation 10.Career structure 11.Academic Forensic Pathology Others 12.The 2 nd P.M. 13.The living

1.Death - ? suspicious –How identified –Which cases (drugs and cars) –Role of H.M.Coroner

2. Information for F.P. –Before, during and after death –Collected by police –Determines value of conclusions

3. Scene visit? –Time of death (rigor mortis, temp.) –Position of body –Weapons, staircases etc. –Blood and other stains –Taking of samples –Liaison with SOCO and forensic scientist

4.Radiography? –Children, firearms –The future

5. The Post Mortem –Facilities –Time –Children

7.Information generated by F.P. What? Identity Cause of death Time of death Reconstruction of events Who for? Police Courts Society

8.Finance –Home Office - N.P.I.A. –Mortuary facilities –Trainees –Governance

9.Governance and regulation –G.M.C. –Home office/N.P.I.A. –Royal College of Pathologists

10.Career Structure –Trainee posts –Appointment to consultant post –Self employment –Universities/N.H.S. –Other options

11.Academic Forensic Pathology –Scotland –Cardiff –Leicester –Newcastle –Does it matter? –Teaching –Research

12.The Second P.M. –Can cause delay –?necessary –?video P.M. –Needed in some cases –Important audit

13.The Living –Injury assessment –At risk of death –Serious injuries –Specialised areas

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY Forensic Procedure 1.Death ?suspicious 2.Information for F.P. 3.?Scene visit 4.?Radiography 5.The P.M. 6.Further tests 7.Information from F.P. Strategic Issues 8.Finance 9.Governance and regulation 10.Career structure 11.Academic Forensic Pathology Others 12.The 2 nd P.M. 13.The living

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY Forensic Procedure 1.Death ?suspicious 2.Information for F.P. 3.?Scene visit 4.?Radiography 5.The P.M. 6.Further tests 7.Information from F.P. Strategic Issues 8.Finance 9.Governance and regulation 10.Career structure 11.Academic Forensic Pathology Others 12.The 2 nd P.M. 13.The living