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UK Families Face Year-Long Delays for Postmortem Results

11/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Royal College of Pathologists reports bereaved families in the UK face postmortem result delays exceeding a year due to a shortage of specialist doctors.
Dr. Clair Evans states one in five families waits over six months, while some regions lack paediatric and perinatal pathologists.
The Royal College cites 52 consultants in this specialty and 37% of posts vacant; Dr. Clea Harmer of Sands urges urgent action.

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Story summary

The Royal College of Pathologists reports bereaved families in the UK face postmortem result delays exceeding a year due to a shortage of specialist doctors.
Dr. Clair Evans states one in five families waits over six months, while some regions lack paediatric and perinatal pathologists.
The Royal College cites 52 consultants in this specialty and 37% of posts vacant; Dr. Clea Harmer of Sands urges urgent action.