Mission Matters Issue 3 Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 30
Where dignity matters most
Cellular Pathology Services Manager, Wil Robertson
explores the quiet professionalism and humanity at the
heart of the Mortuary in the hospital
T
he Mater Hospital mortuary
service is a specialised
department within our
healthcare facility responsible for the
dignified management of deceased
patients.
While often overlooked, this service
plays a vital role in maintaining the
standards of care, ethical practice, and
legal compliance in a hospital setting.
Mortuary services provide not only a
physical space for the storage and
handling of patients but also
coordinate with clinical,
administrative, and support teams to
ensure that the processes surrounding
death are handled efficiently,
respectfully, and in accordance with
the law.
The primary function of the hospital
mortuary is a secure and hygienic
environment of deceased patients
before release to funeral services or
transfer for post-mortem
examination. Furthermore, the
Mortuary staff are trained in handling
patients sensitively, observing
infection control protocols, and
maintaining detailed documentation,
including death certificates,
identification tags, and clinical
records. These administrative tasks
are crucial in preventing errors that
could cause distress to families or
legal complications for the hospital.
Beyond the logistical and regulatory
aspects, the mortuary team works
closely with ward staff, bereavement
services, chaplaincy, portering
teams, coroners, funeral directors and
community partners to provide a
seamless and compassionate pathway
following death. Their role includes
the safe transfer, identification, care
and management of the deceased,
ensuring legal, ethical and infection
prevention standards are maintained
at all times.
Respectful presentation and
The human side of farewell: Mortuary Attendant Kamil Szponka is
part of the mortuary team at the Mater Hospital, whose work reflects
dignity, humanity, and exceptional professionalism
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