A family have been unable to bury their grandfather because his body has been stuck at the Coroner’s for three weeks and nobody is there to sign for its release.
Kylie Underwood has been trying desperately to retrieve the body of her father John Grant Griffiths, 77, who died at Modbury Hospital, in Adelaide‘s north, on July 9.
Mr Griffiths had been in hospital for 10 weeks with several medical conditionals including pneumonia and dementia.
Ms Underwood said she has asked the State Coroner’s Office to release the body – but it cannot be done because of one infuriating reason.
‘When I rang the Coroner’s Office they told me they have just one forensic scientist who has to sign off on the release and they don’t know when that person will be working next,’ she told the Adelaide Advertiser.
‘We just want the body released so we can bury him.’
Mr Griffith’s death was referred to the Coroner because he was suffering from delirium when he passed away.
The medical condition occurs when a person experiences a sudden change in their thinking and behaviour.
The death of John Grant Griffiths (pictured) was referred to the coroner because he was suffering from delirium when he passed away
The illness usually lasts for several days.
According to South Australia’s Coronial Process, the body of a deceased individual is usually released within 72 hours.
The timeframe takes into account the formal identification and post mortem process.
The Coroner decides if a post mortem is required and a forensic pathologist conducts the process at Forensic Science SA.
Ms Underwood claims the morgue at Modbury Hospital was full, which prompted Mr Griffith’s body to be transferred to Lyell McEwin Hospital.
Mr Griffiths was a diesel mechanic and ran his own small business named ‘Exhaust Plus’, a mechanical repairs shop in Salisbury, until he retired.
He previously worked in the mines in Broken Hill in western NSW during his younger years.
He leaves behind his five children and 10 grandchildren.
Mr Griffth’s daughter Kylie Underwood (pictured) claims the State Coroner’s Office has just one forensic scientist to sign off on the release and they don’t when the person will be working next
The Coroner’s Office said they could not comment on specific cases and that the time taken to conduct a pathology review depends on several factors.
‘A review cannot be commenced until all the necessary medical notes are received and, on occasions, it may emerge further information must be obtained,’ a spokesman read.
‘In addition to this, the Coroner’s Office is dependent on the availability of sessional medical practitioners to conduct pathology reviews.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Coroner’s Office for further comment.
