Sheffield-based healthtech firm, Digital Autopsy UK, will provide non-invasive post-mortem examinations in Greater Manchester.
The partnership with Bolton Council, will mean the tech firm will be working in Bolton, Salford, Wigan and Leigh.
“Working in partnership is at the heart of what we do and we are delighted to have secured the support of Bolton Council, the Coroner and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to deliver this service,” said Darren Brown, Chief Executive of Digital Autopsy UK.
“Digital Autopsy UK is already a proud partner of 23 local authorities across the country including Sheffield City Council, Lancashire County Council and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and we are pleased to be able to bring this service to Greater Manchester.”
The company, which also has a site in Lancashire, uses digital imaging technology to carry out the process, so as to minimise the emotional distress experienced by families. It also says it accelerates the post-mortem process.
“I am delighted to be the first coroner in Greater Manchester, and one of the first nationally, to have secured a change in provision of service to allow us to rely on non-invasive technologies,” said Timothy Brennand, HM Senior Coroner for Manchester West.
“I am convinced that this service will offer a better, faster and a clinically reliable means for me to obtain the evidence to establish an unequivocal cause of death.”
The service is expected to be available in June and the digital autopsy suite will be located at Royal Bolton Hospital.
“This is a great step forward in this region for the deceased and their families,” stated Dr Patrick Waugh, Royal Bolton Hospital.
“This places the families concerns and wishes at the centre of Coronial investigations. I hope this joint venture of the Mortuary Services provided by Bolton Foundation Trust and the technology of Digital Autopsy will create a centre of excellence in the Northwest.”
