The Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Jaén, located on the ground floor of the Doctor Sagaz Hospital, has unveiled a new waiting room for family members who accompany the body of a deceased person that needs to undergo an autopsy. The establishment of this waiting room is in line with the humanization of the public health system that the Andalusian Health Service is working towards.
Elena González, the territorial delegate of Health and Consumption, and Javier Carazo, the delegate of Justice, Local Administration, and Public Function, visited the new space along with other officials. The room, previously a warehouse connected to the hospital cafeteria, has undergone extensive renovations including the installation of new lighting, air conditioning, and seating. Vending machines for food, drinks, and infusions have also been provided, and bathrooms have been adapted for use by people with reduced mobility. Additionally, access steps have been demolished and replaced with a reinforced concrete ramp to allow funeral home vehicles to approach the door more easily.
González stated that the establishment of the waiting room was in response to a demand for a decent space for family members to wait during difficult moments. She acknowledged that while family members will eventually have the opportunity to view the deceased in a funeral home, their desire to accompany the deceased during the autopsy at the hospital is understandable.
The new waiting room reflects a commitment to providing comfort and support to families during a challenging time and emphasizes the importance of the human side of the healthcare system.