Section for forensic pathology and clinical forensic medicine. The section is a subdivision under the Department of Forensic Medicine at University of Southern Denmark. The personel consists of the Head of Department, who is also professor and state coroner for Funen and the Southern Denmark, 1 deputy state coroner, 3 forensic physicians, 2 forensic technicians and 1 Medical lab technician. The section is situated in the Winslow Park, J. B. Winslows Vej 17A and 17B, DK-5000 Odense C, very close to Odense University Hospital.
Read about the sections procedures about complaints here.
Autopsies
Most of the work done here, is mainly financed by the State Police, and consists of autopsies, carried out according to the Health Legislation. This law dictates that physicians must report certain kinds of deaths to the police. The police then requires a medical examination of the body, and on the basis of this, the police decides whether a forensic autopsy should be done. A forensic pathologist is carrying out the autopsy, which is followed by additional examinations, such as microscopic examination of organ changes, chemical tests in order to find possible content of alcohol, medicine or drugs. Microbiological examinations for virus or bacteria, anthropological examinations of the bones, and genetic examinations, which however are carried out at Department of Forensic Genetics at Copenhagen University.
Crime Scene Investigations
On request the Department of Forensic Medicine, Section for Forensic Pathology participates in the Police investiations in connection with suspicious deaths and homicide. Normally, investigations are only taking place there if the deceased is still at the crime scene, but under special circumstances, the Police may also require a forensic investigation of the crime scene after the deceased has been removed to the hospital. At crime scene investigations, causes of death, the way of death and time of death may be determined if possible. Depending on the seriousness of the case, a medical examination will normally take place, and in special cases an emergency autopsy will take place immediately after the crime scente investigation.
Clinical Forensic Medicine
An increasing part of the deparment's Work is examinations of living persons. The police requires a forensic pathologist in cases of rape or other kinds of violence, sexual abuse or mistreatment of children. The Department is also examining assumed perpetraters of rape and other violence. Examination of victims takes place at Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault at Odense University Hospital or Kolding Hospital, and examination of children under 15 years takes place in cooperation with paediatricians from Socialpaediatrical Clinic at the Hospitals.