Latest news with #mortuary
Free Malaysia Today
16 hours ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
S'wak to act against hospital staff acting as middlemen in funerals
FMT reported a former doctor as alleging that a gang, acting as agents for funeral services, has long 'dominated' the mortuary of a public hospital in Sarawak. (KKM pic) PETALING JAYA : The Sarawak health department has pledged to take strict action against staff at a public hospital allegedly acting as insiders and leaking information about patient deaths to outsiders. Its director, Dr Veronica Lugah, said the health ministry was committed to ensuring public healthcare services were delivered in a transparent, ethical and accountable manner. 'In line with established rules and procedures, all healthcare service personnel are prohibited from acting as middlemen for funeral arrangements. 'Any violation of these rules and procedures will be met with disciplinary action under the Public Officers Regulations Act (Conduct and Discipline) 1993,' she said in a statement. On Thursday, FMT reported a former doctor as alleging that a gang, acting as agents for funeral services, had long 'dominated' the mortuary of a public hospital in Sarawak. The former civil servant, who asked to be known as Johan, said gang members often showed up as soon as a death was reported at the emergency department or hospital wards, sometimes even before the death was officially confirmed. He claimed insiders were leaking information to gang members in exchange for payment. Veronica said the management of patients who die at government hospitals is entirely the responsibility of the next of kin. 'The hospital does not provide funeral management services, nor is it involved in selecting or appointing any party to handle such matters. 'This includes the transportation, preparation or handling of the body, which remains solely under the family's responsibility.' As such, she said any elements of coercion, threats or acts resembling gangsterism by parties claiming control over funeral arrangements should be reported to the police for a thorough investigation and for appropriate action to be taken.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
This is what really happens to your body after you die
Warning: Graphic Like it or not, the most certain thing about life is that it's going to end. You and everyone you've ever known will, at some point, die. Death is at the core of our existence, and while we'll do everything we can do keep it at bay, it's ultimately inescapable. Yet, despite just how big a part of life death is, how many of us have gotten to grips with the reality of what awaits our bodies once we leave this mortal coil? From the moment someone takes their last breath, a mysterious process begins – one that is hidden away behind the closed doors of a mortuary. But now, a leading expert in the funeral industry is revealing the intricate, often confronting, steps involved in caring for the deceased. The first steps The business of death is a complicated and long process, especially after losing a loved one, but before the mourning can begin, morticians have a lot of work to do. 'When a body is brought into our care we embark on a rigorous identification process and comprehensive paperwork sign-in,' Asha Dooley — the co-owner and managing director of Sydney's Grace Funerals and the newly appointed National President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association — tells Once officially logged, the deceased is carefully transported and safely stored in a secure, temperature-controlled cool room. This essential step halts the natural processes of decomposition, preserving the body until the appropriate time for preparation. 'Generally speaking, we begin by carefully removing the body bag, placing them on a mortuary tray, and giving them a hygienic wash,' she explains. This thorough cleansing is not just about cleanliness, it's a fundamental part of restoring dignity. After death changes to the body Death triggers a cascade of natural, yet often unsettling, changes to the human body. It's a reality few outside the mortuary profession truly grasp. From the moment of death, the body starts to undergo various changes, including a drop in temperature and alterations in skin colour and texture. 'If someone passes in a hospital and has been well cared for, changes will be minimal,' Asha explains. The body will become cold, and typically pale, though any pre-existing conditions like jaundice will mean that specific colour remains. 'When a deceased person is cared for appropriately in refrigerated conditions, minimal changes will occur for a week or even more,' she adds, underlining the importance of proper care. With the loss of tension in the muscles, the skin will sag, which can cause prominent joints and bones in the body, such as the jaw or hips, to stick out more. And, as these muscles relax, sphincters release and allow urine and faeces to pass. 'Bodily fluids after death are very common,' she says. 'Firstly, a strict hygiene protocol is followed, which includes essential PPE for the mortuary team, sterilisation of all mortuary equipment, and disinfecting all surfaces.' This rigorous approach is non-negotiable, protecting both the staff and ensuring the environment remains pristine. 'In addition to this, we take specific precautions to ensure these fluids are not spread,' she explains. 'This includes an adult nappy being used.' Prepping for an open casket Up to six hours after death, since the heart no longer pumps blood, gravity begins to pool blood into the areas of the body closest to the ground. This process results in a reddish-purple discolouration. At the same time, chemical changes in the cells of the body cause all muscles to stiffen (rigor mortis). The first muscles affected are the eyelids, jaw, and neck. 'We don't typically need to glue eyelids,' she explains about the old practice of weighting eyes with coins to ensure they remain closed. 'In most cases, by using a special massage technique, the lid can be manually closed without any additional intervention. However, as we age the eyes can become more sunken and this doesn't present as well for the family viewing; we are able to insert a small plastic eye cap under the lid to give the shape back.' Over several hours rigor mortis spreads to the face and down the rest of the body. 'The mouth can be trickier to close,' continues Asha. 'If dentures were worn and have not been provided, we will likely use a mouth former to bring this shape back. Sometimes a cream can be used to keep the mouth closed, but usually we will use an invisible suture to keep the mouth closed. 'We then gently 'set the features' – which includes a wash and blow dry of their hair!' Asha reveals, highlighting the personal touches that are so important for families. After this, they are respectfully dressed in clothes provided by the family before being carefully placed into the selected coffin. The difficulties of decomposition Advanced decomposition presents some of the most significant challenges for morticians. Beyond the obvious visual aspect, the body's physical integrity can be severely compromised, making handling incredibly delicate and complex and making it a testing experience for both Asha and her team. 'We are always aware of a traumatic case entering our mortuary, as they would have been through the coronial process and each member of the team is able to decide how much involvement they would like to have with that deceased,' she reveals, underscoring the importance of protecting her staff's mental wellbeing. 'However, most people who work in the mortuary setting are very resilient.' In these instances — especially when a body is in an advanced state of decomposition — odour can present another major challenge for workers. 'In this industry, we are all accustomed to many smells,' she says, but admits everyone has their limits. 'Personally, the smell of decomposition is fine for me — I struggle much more with the smell of faeces.' Her coping mechanisms are surprisingly practical: 'Eye covers, a mask, and a touch of vaseline under the nose will absorb most smells and there is always tiger balm when that hasn't worked.' The art of embalming Embalming — a preservation technique where the natural bodily fluids are removed and replaced with a preserving liquid, such as formaldehyde — is required under certain circumstances. 'Embalming is required when a person is being repatriated or buried in an above-ground crypt,' Asha explains. But its purpose extends beyond these necessities. 'It can also be used specifically to improve the viewing experience and to ensure that a family can view their loved one even if they have to wait for a period.' This is especially vital when travel or other circumstances delay a funeral. 'There are also different levels of embalming,' she continues. 'A full embalm is when the organs are also treated, there is a temporary embalm where the organs are not treated, and a skilled embalmer can also use these fluids to flush certain bodily areas which will restore plumpness and colour for a viewing.' Restoring dignity after tragedy In cases of traumatic death, the skill of restorative art becomes paramount. This highly specialised practice involves meticulously repairing and reconstructing the deceased's appearance, often addressing severe injuries to the face and body. The goal is to restore a natural, peaceful likeness that allows families to view their loved one, even after devastating circumstances. 'Restorative art is a very technical skill that provides families with the ability to view their loved one and to say goodbye, even when there has been a traumatic death,' Asha explains. 'I've been able to provide a viewing for a family whose loved one passed from a traumatic head injury, and without a skilled restoration worker, that family would not have been able to have that crucial experience to say goodbye.' It's a testament to the dedication that goes into offering families closure, no matter the circumstances. 'It isn't needed often,' she notes. 'But it can make a profound difference to the bereaved.' The surprising truth of mortuary work Despite the grim details and challenging work, Asha insists the mortuary is a place of profound peace. 'I think most people would be surprised how peaceful it is,' she says. 'We actually chat with the deceased and treat them as if they were one of our own. 'People tend to think about the bad things, but the privilege of people able to dress someone, or get their blow dry their hair correctly or be the final person to see someone; it is a real honour, that we all take very seriously.' The most rewarding part, she says, is making an unimaginably challenging time a little easier for grieving families. 'When you watch a family see their loved one dressed and peaceful, and I can see the relief in their face, I know that we have truly helped.' A life changed by death Culturally, death has been swept under the proverbial rug for a long time now. As a nation, we have a serious aversion to talking about this inevitability. However, for those in the 'death industry', such as Asha, being confronted daily by this reality can paradoxically make them live a more joy-filled, purposeful life. She affirms there's a power in the knowledge that the clock is ticking, that you only have a finite number of precious days in which to live, love, and learn. 'I make sure that I live a fairly healthy lifestyle – because I want to fit and healthy with the time I do have!' she says of her perspective on the preciousness of life. 'I don't necessarily think about it a lot every day, but I am much more inclined to say yes to everything and enjoy the things I want to because you truly never know when your time is going to be up.'
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Ex-doctor alleges ‘gangster' interference in Sarawak mortuary, MOH says will investigate, won't tolerate any misconduct
KUCHING, July 19 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has expressed serious concern over an allegation involving the mortuary of a public hospital in Sarawak, stressing that it will not tolerate any form of misconduct, abuse of power, or corruption. Sarawak Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah said the allegation was reported by an online media platform on July 17 in an article titled 'Hospital mortuary 'dominated' by gangsters, says ex-doctor.' In the report, a former doctor claimed that gang members would often show up as soon as a death was reported in the emergency department or hospital wards, sometimes even before the death was officially confirmed. 'MOH takes every allegation raised seriously and affirms its full commitment to upholding the integrity and credibility of the country's public healthcare services,' she said in a recent statement. According to Dr Veronica, the handling of deceased persons at government hospitals is entirely the responsibility of the deceased's next of kin or family members. 'Hospitals do not provide funeral management services, and families are given full freedom to choose any funeral service company they trust, without any form of coercion or interference from hospital staff,' she explained. In line with existing guidelines and regulations, she emphasised that healthcare personnel are prohibited from acting as intermediaries or agents in funeral arrangements. 'Any violation of this directive may result in disciplinary action under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993,' Dr Veronica added. She also encouraged members of the public to lodge complaints regarding misconduct or non-compliance by healthcare personnel through the ministry's official complaint channels. 'If there are elements of coercion, threats, or behaviour resembling gangsterism, a police report should be made immediately so that the authorities can investigate and take appropriate action,' she said. — The Borneo Post
News24
30-06-2025
- Health
- News24
DA slams Gauteng health department over dead bodies ‘left in limbo due to missing printer cartridges'
The DA alleges families were unable to bury loved ones as post-mortems and death certificates could not be processed. The health department confirms a printer issue but says contingency plans resolved the matter. DA's Madeleine Hicklin blames MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and says the system is failing both the living and the dead. The DA in Gauteng has alleged that bodies of patients who died at Johannesburg's Helen Joseph Hospital over the past 13 days cannot be transferred to government mortuaries due to a shortage of printer cartridges needed to produce the required documentation. The party released a statement on Monday, demanding Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko ensure that the hospital is stocked with adequate cartridges and resources so that burials are not interrupted or delayed, thereby avoiding unnecessary pain, frustration and trauma for the families of the deceased. This is despite the Gauteng department of health dismissing what it refers to as misleading reports that suggest that the Helen Joseph Hospital mortuary currently has corpses left in limbo due to a shortage of printer cartridges. The spokesperson for the department, Motalatale Modiba, said that, contrary to what he described as a sensationalised report, the facility's mortuary currently has only one body, that of a patient who was declared dead on arrival on Wednesday, 25 June, and was initially unidentified. 'The family of the deceased was eventually traced to KwaZulu-Natal, and they were notified accordingly,' he said. This means that the body will now be handed over to the forensic team on Monday, 30 June, for processing, thereby enabling the family to collect it. Motalatale Modiba Modiba confirmed that while the facility did experience challenges related to printing services, challenges which impacted the turnaround time required to process cases at the hospital mortuary between 17 and 23 June 2025, facility management was able to activate contingency measures. These measures resulted in five families, whose cases were pending, being successfully assisted on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, he explained. 'The issue with printing services arose due to delays in the processing of payments to two service providers,' he said, adding that the matter is currently receiving attention and is being addressed by the department's finance team. Modiba further stated that the department would like to reiterate that there are currently no corpses at Helen Joseph Hospital that are outstanding or awaiting processing as a result of printing-related challenges. However, Madeleine Hicklin, a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, maintains that her party received this alarming information from 'credible sources who are calling for immediate intervention'. As a result of this administrative incompetence, since 17 June 2025, families have been unable to claim the bodies of their loved ones for burial, as post-mortems could not be conducted and death certificates could not be issued. Madeleine Hicklin 'MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko must hang her head in shame,' she said. She added that despite the MEC's proclamations that the Gauteng department of health is functioning well, the fact that the necessary paperwork for the deceased cannot be processed is proof that the department is irrevocably broken. Hicklin also argued that this situation is further evidence that, under Panyaza Lesufi's administration, both the living and the dead are not being treated with dignity in Gauteng. 'Because the premier refuses to fire his MEC or even acknowledge her failures, the people of Gauteng are the ones who are left to suffer,' she said.
The Herald
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Health department denies mortuary problems
Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said while the hospital had experienced printing service issues between June 17 and 23, contingency plans were put in place and all affected families had been assisted by Tuesday. 'Contrary to the sensationalised report, the facility's mortuary currently has only one body of a patient who was declared dead on arrival on Wednesday, 25 June. The family of the deceased was eventually traced to KwaZulu-Natal and was notified accordingly,' said Modiba. He said the delay in printing services was due to delayed payments to two service providers, but this had been resolved. 'The department would like to reiterate that currently Helen Joseph Hospital has no corpses that are outstanding and awaiting to be processed as a result of printing challenges,' Modiba said. However, the funeral association's Johan Rousseau on Sunday said the problem had affected at least six cases. 'We've got a serious problem. 'Officials don't understand the trauma this causes for families. Funeral parlours get frustrated because they cannot assist the family properly and in the absence of a regulator or ombudsman there's little recourse,' he said. DA Gauteng spokesperson for health Madeleine Hicklin called on MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to take accountability. 'Despite her shouting from the rooftops that the department is functioning well, the fact that paperwork for the deceased could not be processed shows that the department is irrevocably broken,' Hicklin said. SowetanLIVE
