Tauranga forced to close autopsy room - DHB

Bay of Plenty DHB chief executive Phil Cammish. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times.

The Ministry of Justice's failure to carry out promised upgrades on the autopsy room at Tauranga Hospital has forced its closure, the Bay of Plenty District Health Board (DHB) says.

DHB chief executive Phil Cammish said the ministry had agreed to carry out the upgrades of the autopsy room, which no longer met minimum safety standards, within three months at a hui held in January.

"Despite the undertakings given at a public meeting... we were advised this week that they've not made any progress," Mr Cammish said.

"We therefore have no other option than to close the autopsy room with immediate effect."

The ministry had known the room did not meet minimum standards for more than two years and its closure meant two to three autopsies a week would have to be done away from Tauranga.

Ministry spokesman Steve Corbett said it was disappointed with the decision and would be working with the DHB to ensure mortuary services in Tauranga could be resumed.

The facility is owned by the DHB and the ministry had a contract to use the building for the provision of autopsy services.

Alternative arrangements were in place should mortuary services be required over the weekend.

- NZPA