MORTUARY SERVICES

INTRODUCTION: 12. Stores-2(12×10 sq. ft.)

The mortuary is the most neglected and ignored place in almost all the peripheral  for reserve stocks of and chemical solutions for preserving the viscera
hospitals as well as medical 13. Viscera Preparation Room (12×10 sq. ft.)
colleges. It is not having even basic facilities for the departed souls, public and  where the technician /mortuary attendant can do the assigned job
officials working there. It is a well under the supervision of the medical officer.
known fact that from the overall expenditure of any hospital, a very minute share is 14. Pre Autopsy Room (16×20sq. ft)
spent on the autopsy facility.  cold storage room meant for keeping 5-10 bodies before the post-mortem
Mortuary examination. As soon as the police brought the body in the mortuary it
A facility, one or more rooms or a building, which is used for the storage of bodies, should be kept in this room with complete identity. This should have cold
storage facilities (cold chambers in the form of refrigerated cabinets)
including a refrigerated body storage facility and may include body viewing area,
 temperature maintained : 4-6.5°C.
body preparation room and an Autopsy Unit.
15. Autopsy Room 1: (sized at least 400 Sq. Mtrs.);
Autopsy Unit  two mortuary tables preferably of stainless steel with arrangements for free
A facility, attached to a Mortuary, which is used to investigate the cause of death. It drainage of a constant flow of water from top to bottom
comprises an autopsy room, change room and observation area.  . A proper vent and duct system needs to be installed for exit of foul
GENERAL FUNCTIONS smelling gases and entry of fresh air.
The services provided by a Forensic facility's comprehensive morgue and postmortem  Each room should have mortuary work station. This room should be
component are: constructed in such a way that they should have big windows up to
• Specimen handling area  the level of roof with glasses, if, possible facing the east, south and west,
• Administrative functions (documentation of incoming or outgoing bodies report so that the maximum adequate sun light may remain in the rooms.
• Receiving, preparation and temporary storage of cadavers.  There should be large charts depicting weights and measurements of
• Mobile radiography viscera,
• Photography bones etc. for quick reference. There should be X-ray view boxes in these
• Family/police viewing and/or identification of the body. rooms for seeing x-ray film etc.
Mortuary for a secondary level hospital(i.e.For 100-200 bed hosp.):  Portable x-ray machine should be available.
1. Medial officer's room (size 14×20 sq. ft.)  The floors should be constructed of materials like granite and walls with
 attached bath cum toilet (8×12 sq. Ft.). epoxy which facilitate easy cleaning with a slope to a main drain.
 W.C. lavatory, basin and a shower cubical 16. Autopsy Room 2
 two changing rooms (12×10 sq. ft. each) with lockers for male and female  acts as an open mortuary (with roof covered with net) for the decomposed
medical officers. veranda in its front.(Tables and chairs with almirahs and bodies and other
lockers should be available as per requirements. Telephone facilities must miscellaneous work.
be there) 17. Instrument Room (8×10 sq. ft.)OR Sluice room:
2. Computer Room & Office (12×10 sq. ft)  instrument cleaning room to be provided for the thorough cleansing of all
 with furniture, computer, printer cum scanner, photography numbered instruments /equipments between the two autopsy rooms.
 instruments etc. 18. Post Autopsy Room (14×18 sq. ft.):
3. Record Rooms with file cabinets.  should be in the form of a covered area with central platform (4×8 sq. ft.)
4. Reception Room (12×14 sq. ft.) for handing over the body to the police and cleaning /covering of the dead
5. Police Room (10×10 sq. ft.) body by the relatives after competition of the post-mortem examination.
6. General Toilets. 19. Open Space (Green belt)
7. Veranda Connecting reception and doctor’s Room 20. Walled enclosure with gates.
8. Toilets cum Bath with shower for Medical officers 21. Corridors & Verandas.
9. Toilets for Staff; 22. Shades for public and other facilities: for the relatives of the deceased with seating
10. Class IV Rooms (8×10 sq. ft.); it has lockers etc. and used as changing place for arrangements and provisions of drinking water and toilets.
them. 23.Forensic photography section: scaled colour photography; pictorial chart and
11. Stores-1 (12×10 sq. ft) or ante room traumagrams
 clean gowns, aprons, rubber gloves, gumboots, towels etc. adjacent to the 24.Medical observation room:(70-150 sq.ft)
medical officer's room.

Page | 1 source: Journal of Forensic Research by OMICS International

Australasian Health Facility Guidelines
Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning
490 - HOSPITAL MORTUARY / AUTOPSY UNIT
 MORTUARY AND AUTOPSY UNIT
Arrangement of inner ancillary spaces:
Physical structure
It consist of :
1. Reception and waiting area
2. Cold room for body preservation
3. Autopsy unit
4. Ancillary area

Location and planning consideration according to approach

feasibility and flow:

ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS

Conclusion and Future

Advancements
Safety and security are integral
components of a forensic facility.
Defining public areas from secure zones
to ensure the secure custody of sensitive
items such as case files, evidence, and
human remains is critical .The concept
The mortuary should, if possible, be located near the pathology department or of a modern and ideal mortuary will
laboratory. It should be easily accessible from wards and the emergency and protect the occupants against diseases
operating departments. A separate access should be available for staff, relatives and emanating from filthy and unhealthy
environment and the mortuary contents
undertakers.
against destruction from decay of
unrepaired and neglected mortuary
TYPICAL LAYOUT PLAN OF MORTUARY buildings.
SOURCE:MODERN TRENDS IN
PLANNING AND DESIGNING OF
HOSPITAL

Page | 2 source: Journal of Forensic Research by OMICS International

Australasian Health Facility Guidelines
Part B - Health Facility Briefing and Planning
490 - HOSPITAL MORTUARY / AUTOPSY UNIT