An investigation is underway as to whether body parts from previous coronial autopsies were held in a museum in Tasmania without the consent of families.
The R.A. Rodda Museum of Pathology at the University of Tasmania is alleged to have collected and held specimens potentially retained following the autopsies.
In a statement released today, Tasmania’s Coroner’s Office said the issue was first flagged in February 2016.
“The existence of these specimens has now been confirmed and formally reported under the provisions of the Coroners Act 1995, and the coroner has now commenced a formal investigation,” the statement reads.
“Initial records provided indicate that the collection of specimens began in 1953 and ceased in 1985 and relate to 147 persons.
“It is unclear whether this occurred with the knowledge or consent of family members.”
The Coroner’s Office told 9news.com.au it was unable to make further comment at this stage as an investigation is currently underway.
The R.A. Rodda Museum of Pathology was established in 1966 as a teaching and research facility, according to the University of Tasmania’s website.
Its collection includes “diseased organs from samples collected primarily through autopsies” and “surgical specimens” which are housed in the University’s School of Medicine.
Around 2700 specimens representing every organ system of the body is on display, the website said.
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