forensic pathology - an introduction to the issues dr. nigel cooper newcastle university 22 nd april...

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY- an introduction to the issues

Dr. Nigel Cooper

Newcastle University

22nd April 2009

Durham

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY“The study of disease which is of legal importance”

– Trauma– “Simple” injuries; head injuries– Firearm injuries– Road traffic deaths– Asphyxia, drowning– Heat, cold and electrocution– effects of trauma

– Alcohol and drugs– Deaths relating to medical treatment– Sudden death (adults, children, in pregnancy)– Suspicious death

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY

Forensic Procedure

1.Death ?suspicious

2.Information for F.P.

3.?Scene visit

4.?Radiography

5.The P.M.

6.Further tests

7.Information from F.P.

Strategic Issues

8.Finance

9.Governance and regulation

10.Career structure

11.Academic Forensic Pathology

Others12.The 2nd P.M.13.The living

1.Death - ? suspicious

– How identified

– Which cases (drugs and cars)

– Role of H.M.Coroner

2. Information for F.P.

– Before, during and after death

– Collected by police

– Determines value of conclusions

3. Scene visit?

– Time of death (rigor mortis, temp.)

– Position of body

– Weapons, staircases etc.

– Blood and other stains

– Taking of samples

– Liaison with SOCO and forensic scientist

4.Radiography?

– Children, firearms

– The future

5. The Post Mortem

– Facilities

– Time

– Children

7.Information generated by F.P.

What?

Identity

Cause of death

Time of death

Reconstruction of events

Who for?

Police

Courts

Society

8.Finance

– Home Office - N.P.I.A.

– Mortuary facilities

– Trainees

– Governance

9.Governance and regulation

– G.M.C.

– Home office/N.P.I.A.

– Royal College of Pathologists

10.Career Structure

– Trainee posts

– Appointment to consultant post

– Self employment

– Universities/N.H.S.

– Other options

11.Academic Forensic Pathology

– Scotland

– Cardiff

– Leicester

– Newcastle

– Does it matter?

– Teaching

– Research

12.The Second P.M.

– Can cause delay

– ?necessary

– ?video P.M.

– Needed in some cases

– Important audit

13.The Living

– Injury assessment

– At risk of death

– Serious injuries

– Specialised areas

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY

Forensic Procedure

1.Death ?suspicious

2.Information for F.P.

3.?Scene visit

4.?Radiography

5.The P.M.

6.Further tests

7.Information from F.P.

Strategic Issues

8.Finance

9.Governance and regulation

10.Career structure

11.Academic Forensic Pathology

Others12.The 2nd P.M.13.The living

FORENSIC PATHOLOGY

Forensic Procedure

1.Death ?suspicious2.Information for F.P.

3.?Scene visit

4.?Radiography5.The P.M.6.Further tests7.Information from F.P.

Strategic Issues

8.Finance9.Governance and regulation

10.Career structure

11.Academic Forensic Pathology

Others12.The 2nd P.M.13.The living