I have been advised by the HSE that all hospital groups have confirmed in writing that they are fully compliant with the HSE Standards and Recommended Practices for Post Mortem Examination Services 2012.
However, arising from recent concerns, the HSE has asked all hospital groups to conduct a full review of compliance against the National Standards with specific reference to issues relating to consent, storage and disposal to ensure consistent compliance at individual patient level. The hospital groups have been asked to report on the results of their reviews and associated actions to the National Director of Acute Operations. Arising from review of the results, the HSE Healthcare Audit Team may conduct further independent reviews at hospital or national level. I have received assurances from the HSE that this review process will be undertaken in a timely manner and that the outcome is relayed to my Department.