Relocation of Paarl Forensic Pathology Unit

At the beginning of this month the Paarl Forensic Pathology unit relocated its facility to the TC Newman Community Health Centre in Broadway Street, Paarl East. This service was previously rendered from a facility on South African Police Service premises in Paarl. Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, said the new facility will be able to provide an improved forensic pathology service to the people of the Winelands.

The new facility will act as a referral centre for Forensic Pathology cases due to medical investigation that can also be performed at this new venue. The new facility has more spacious waiting areas for members of the public and stakeholders, e.g. South African Police Service (SAPS), a larger dissection area and storage space for forty deceased at a time. Improved infrastructure and equipment for medical investigations include a new X-ray machine, private interview facilities and state of the art machinery.

The opening hours of the new facility are 07:30 - 16:00 on weekdays and an after-hours service. The service is however available and accessible 24/7 as personnel provide this service through on-call and standby duties to ensure effective service rendering to the public. There are opportunities for the public to offer suggestions, complaints in order for the Western Cape Department of Health to assist with improving the management and rendering of the Forensic Pathology service.

Paarl Forensic Pathology Services delivers services to the following communities:

Paarl
Paarl East
Franschoek
Groot Drakenstein
Wellington
Klapmuts
Mbekweni
Philladelphia

The following information is required from the family when a person passes 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 physical address:
Broadway Street, Paarl East (on the same premises as TC Newman Community Health Centre).
Tel: 021 862 2047/021 862 7821
Fax: 021 862 8295
After hours: 078 330 3667

Issued by:
Directorate Communications
Western Cape Department of Health