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CORONER S COURT AND PUBLIC MORTUARY
These buildings which are situated in a central part of the Borough within easy reach of the excellent travel
facilities in Hammersmith Broadway are the property of the Council.
The Coroner's Court and ancillary offices are leased to the Greater London Council who are responsible for
this aspect of the service.
The Court Room is well equipped with adequate accommodation for Jury, Press and public in addition to
Counsel and Officials. Microphones are provided for the Coroner and Witnesses with an amplifier to ensure
that all speech is clearly audible throughout the Court. Linked to this system is a tape recorder for use by the
Coroner. Offices are provided for the Coroner and his officers with adequate waiting rooms and toilet
facilities.
The public mortuary and post-mortem room are provided by the local authority under Section 198 of the
Public Health Act, 1936. There are two purpose built-refrigerators providing accommodation for eighteen
bodies, which are more then adequate to cover normal needs in the mortuary. A viewing room is also provided
where relatives through a specially designed glass screen can view the deceased. This room is furnished with
flowering plants by the Parks Department.
The post-mortem room is equipped with four tables of special design incorporating elbow operating taps and
foot operated sluicing mechanisms with drainage ducts that can readily be cleared. An independent gas boiler
provides very hot water to meet all requirements and an electrically operated air conditioning unit ensures a
satisfactory temperature both summer and winter. Offices are provided for both the Pathologist and
Mortuary Superintendent with toilet facilities.
A reciprocal agreement operates with the neighbouring borough of Ealing during the absence of either
Superintendent due to leave or sickness. Bodies are routed to the Acton mortuary or vice-versa and a nominal
fee of £2 per body is either received or paid.
During the year 851 bodies were received at the mortuary, an increase of 117 on the previous year.

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