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CORONER'S COURT AND PUBLIC MORTUARY
The accommodation provided comprises Court, Jury room and suite of
offices for the Coroner and his officers, a modern post-mortem room with
four tables, refrigerated accommodation for eighteen bodies, and office
accommodation for the Pathologist and Mortuary Superintendent. A large
waiting room comfortably furnished, and a viewing room are also available
for the public.
The Mortuary was used by the neighbouring Boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow
whilst their own mortuaries were closed during the annual leave period.
Inquests were held in the Court in respect of Ealing and Hounslow cases
throughout the year in addition to Hammersmith. Hillingdon cases are now
dealt with at the Uxbridge court.
The number of bodies admitted to the Mortuary during the year was 654,
a decrease of 103 over 1967. There were 648 post-mortem examinations,
a decrease of 105 over the previous year.
In all 215 inquests were held at the Coroner's Court compared with
307 the previous year. Details are set out below.
Bodies admitted from the Borough:-
By order of Coroner 594
On application of Undertakers 5
599
Bodies admitted from other Boroughs:-
Ealing (by order of Coroner) 50
(On application of Undertaker) 1
Hounslow (by order of Coroner) 4 55
654
No.of post-mortem examinations conducted:-
Hammersmith cases 594
Ealing cases 50
Hounslow cases 4
Total post-mortems 648
No.of inquests held:-
Hammersmith cases 79
Ealing cases 67
Hounslow cases 69
Total inquests held 215
Laboratory Facilities
The Public Analyst for the Borough is Mr. Thomas McLachlan of
B. 32