To provide an efficient and effective administrative autopsy service. Preparation of relevant documentation required during autopsy process. Identification of body to doctor.
Taking verbatim notes as directed by the doctor. Fingerprinting of deceased for identification of deceased. Photographing (including downloading of images into relevant database) for identification and record keeping.
Collection of exhibits and samples/specimens under direct supervision of medical practitioners. Documentation and appropriate safe keeping and handover to SAPS of all exhibits and specimens to maintain chain of evidence. Maintain chain of evidence register.
Assist families with identification process. To provide effective transportation service in the collection and offloading of bodies from crime scene to mortuary. Collection and transportation of corpse between death scene and medico legal mortuary including loading and offloading of corpse.
Ensure completion of all relevant documentation necessary in collection and transportation process. Admission of bodies into medico legal mortuary in accordance with prescripts. To maintain a technical autopsy service.
Perform reconstruction of a corpse under direction/ instruction / supervision of the medical offer in charge of case/s. Movement of weighing corpse. Ensure washing, shrouding and labelling of bodies post examination and ensuring area of work is maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.
Handle and safeguard properly of deceased and disposal of property to next of kin in the prescribed manner. To perform administrative duties including registry, fleet, assets and stock control activities. Typing of all postmortem and any other subsequent documentation generated because of the postmortem examination.
Communication and making necessary arrangements with relevant role players in preparation for postmortem examination as per medical officer’s instructions. Maintain an effective and efficient filing system for all postmortem related documentation and ensure safe custody thereof. Develop and maintain a database of all information pertaining to the autopsy service and timely provision of monthly summary statistics to relevant stakeholders.
Stock control including early warning arrangements. Reception and switchboard duties. Liaising with next of kin, undertakers, municipalities, hospitals, and SAPS to arrange burials, cremations and pauper burials of unclaimed bodies.
Liaising with court, negotiating court attendance by medical officers and other medico mortuary staff.