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105
Mortuaries
In cases of sudden death it is necessary to conduct a postmortem
examination of the b0dy so that the Coroner can consider
whether the holding of an inquest is necessary. It is the Council's
duty to provide mortuaries where such b0dies can be kept under
the proper conditions and where the Home Office Pathologist may
perform his autopsy.
Except for those who are unfortunate enough to come into
direct contact with this service, little is known of it, yet no fewer
than 625 b0dies were handled at the two mortuaries in 1968. The
work of the mortuary attendants is demanding and not always
pleasant. The tactful handling of bereaved relatives is a very
necessary quality. Considerable improvement has recently been
made to the Beckenham mortuary, especially the refurbishing of
the viewing room, to enable what is so often a distressing experience
to take place in seemly surroundings. Similar improvements will be
effected at the Chislehurst mortuary in the coming year.