Pathologists waiting up to six months for toxicology results

PATHOLOGIST are waiting for up to six months before they receive the results of toxicology tests due to under-resourcing in the State lab.

Coroner for the District of Mayo, Mr Patrick O'Connor told an inquest in Swinford Courthouse that toxicology results in determining the cause of death of people may not be available for up to six months.

Mr O'Connor said this was due to under-resourcing in the State lab which carries out tests for pathologists on behalf of the coroner. He added it was very difficult for pathologists to conclude the cause of death if they have to wait six months for the toxicology results.

The Coroner was speaking at the inquest of Christy Henry (60) of Inishbiggle Island who died on October 6 last when his car entered a lake on the island.

Dr Fadel Bennani, Consultant Pathologist explained that the post mortem showed that the lungs of Mr Henry was full of fluid and the cause of death was due to asphyxia due to drowning. He said that there was no evidence Mr Henry suffered a heart attack and all his other organs were normal.

As with all road traffic deaths, blood is sent to the State lab for a toxicology report but Dr Bennani said that the results were not yet available.

Garda Caitriona O'Malley who attended the scene on October 6 explained that a garda file into Mr Henry's death has yet to be completed.

Mr O'Connor adjourned the inquest until December 18 for mention and offered his sympathies to Mr Henry's siblings on their tragic loss.