Plans for new mortuary and Coroner's Court in Gloucestershire unveiled (From Gazette Series)

Plans for new mortuary and Coroner's Court in Gloucestershire unveiled

1:46pm Thursday 4th March 2010

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PEOPLE are being given the chance to have their say on plans for a new mortuary and Coroner's Court for Gloucestershire.

The site for the proposed £4.5million purpose-built structure is land off the Walls Roundabout in Corinium Avenue, Gloucester.

At the moment, the county council leases mortuary and post mortem facilities owned by the NHS, but they are outdated and no longer fit for the coroner’s needs.

The council has worked closely with the NHS and agreed that the current arrangement will come to an end in April 2011.

Sally Bye, Gloucestershire's head of registration and coroner’s service manager, said: "The current mortuary’s viewing facilities are very poor and not appropriate for the bereaved when they come to view their relatives or friends.

"One of the aims of the new building would be to make this difficult experience as comfortable and dignified as possible."

As well as the mortuary and post mortem area, a new Coroner’s Court would be installed to hold inquests all on one site.

The new building would also include 60 storage spaces, pathology facilities equipped with the latest technology, staff area, viewing facilities for relatives and office accommodation for the staff in the Coroner’s office and the mortuary staff.

Cllr Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member with responsibility for the Coroners Service, said: "Losing a loved one is already a difficult enough experience and we want to do all we can to make things more comfortable and more dignified for people in their time of need.

"The current facility is just not up to standard any longer. This new complex would be modern, well equipped and better designed, as well as saving money in the long run. Now local people have the chance to tell us what they think about our plans, and we look forward to hearing their views."

To see the proposed new facility and comment on them go online to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/coronerscourtcomplex

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