Coronial autopsies, pathology work to be completed at new Royal Darwin Hospital facility

A new multi-purpose facility at the Royal Darwin Hospital will provide a ‘culturally appropriate’ setting for grieving friends and family to mourn their loved ones. See what else will be built.

Coronial autopsies and forensic pathology work will be completed in a new facility at the Royal Darwin Hospital which will replace the existing one built more than four decades ago.

The Territory government has released a design consultancy tender for the new forensic, pathology, mortuary and bereavement facility planned to allow work to be completed to a contemporary standard of practice.

A specific bereavement centre will be established at the facility for grieving loved ones to identify and view bodies in a private setting.

The Territory Government has released a tender for a new multi-purpose facility at the Royal Darwin Hospital. Picture: Che Chorley

The project will include lane extensions on Florey Ave to provide access to the facility, which will be constructed on vacant land.

Additional car parks for staff and the public will also be constructed.

The tender will be open until February 9 and can be viewed at tendersonline.nt.gov.au.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said it was important to have up to date facilities in the Territory. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said it was important for the Territory to have up-to-date facilities for autopsies and pathology work.

“It is also crucial we have culturally appropriate facilities for loved ones to gather at one of their most difficult times,” she said.

“This work is a first for the Territory and we would like to see it roll out across other locations around the NT.”