Relocation of Worcester Forensic Pathology Laboratory

The Worcester Regional Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) has relocated its base from 10 Stockestroom Street (Doves Undertakers premises) to Worcester Hospital, corner of Fischer and Suggest Streets. The Worcester Forensic Pathology Laboratory was officially re-opened by the Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, on 27 September 2011.

The move to the new premises will have a positive impact on service delivery, as it boasts a more spacious waiting area, improved storage facilities, a larger dissection area, improved infrastructure and private interview facilities to offer more privacy. The new facility has equipment for medical investigations which includes a new x-ray machine and state-of-the-art machinery.

The operating hours of the new facility are from 07:30 to 16:00 on weekdays, but offers an after-hours service. The service is available and accessible 24/7, as personnel provide this service through on-call and standby duties to ensure effective service rendering to the public. Worcester FPS serves a population of 315 000, which includes areas such as Breede Valley, Montagu, Ashton, Robertson, Villiersdorp, as well as a large section of the N1 highway stretching through De Doorns and Touwsriver. The facility also serves as a disaster centre that can store up to 100 bodies at a time and will provide an autopsy service to Wolseley and Swellendam Forensic Pathology Laboratories.

The department would like to urge the public to bring the following information along should a family member pass away of unnatural death:

• Identification: A relative or friend must view the deceased to confirm his/her identity (only at the facility).
• Documentation for identification: A green barcoded ID/passport/birth certificate/temporary permit for asylum seekers of the deceased will enable a relative to access and identify the body.
• Sudden and unexpected death: The relative should bring all medical documentation/information or Road to Health Chart (clinic card) regarding the deceased.

The public can make use of this service by contacting the facility:
Tel: 023 347 6233/5353
Fax: 023 347 5381

Issued by the Directorate: Communications for the Western Cape Department of Health.