Elham Asaad Buaras
East London reached a significant milestone on July 8 with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art mortuary and the newly renovated Coroner’s Court in Walthamstow. This £8.3 million investment, praised by Waltham Forest Council, the East London Coroner’s Court, and local faith leaders, is set to revolutionise the delivery of post-mortem services.
The new Walthamstow Mortuary, a collaboration between Waltham Forest Council and four neighbouring East London boroughs, stands as a symbol of innovation and care.
As the first council-run mortuary in London, it features state-of-the-art facilities, including the pioneering Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) scanner. This non-invasive technology allows for physical and digital post-mortems with minimal intrusion, a feature especially valued by faith communities that prefer non-intrusive procedures.
The new mortuary, which serves Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering, Newham, Barking, and Dagenham, increases capacity for the nearly 280,000 Muslims who make up 19.9% of the total population. The facility is designed with distinct entrances for staff and visitors, expanded parking with disabled access, and peaceful public areas for quiet reflection surrounded by gentle greenery. These improvements create a compassionate atmosphere for grieving families, aligning with contemporary standards.
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Next door, the Coroner’s Court has undergone substantial upgrades to enhance its capacity and incorporate new technologies. The addition of new court and office spaces, along with digital capabilities for remote inquests, demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and modernisation. These improvements are particularly beneficial for family members who cannot attend inquests in person, allowing them to participate remotely with dignity.
The opening ceremony was attended by Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, who expressed pride at delivering “two new state-of-the-art buildings and innovative facilities that will transform how we support Waltham Forest residents and the wider East London coronial jurisdiction, both practically and emotionally when losing a loved one,” Khan stated.
Faith leaders from the Jewish and Muslim communities also celebrated the new facilities. Mohamed Omer, Board Member of External Affairs at the Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery and Chair of the National Burial Council, highlighted the importance of the non-invasive scanning technology. “The new facilities are game-changing for both the Muslim and Jewish communities. Previously, we had to travel to Oxford for the nearest scanning facility. Having this right on our doorstep will greatly enhance the support we can provide to grieving families,” Omer noted.
Jewish faith leader Mr Sinitsky echoed these sentiments, emphasising the long-awaited arrival of such technology in East London. “Non-invasive post-mortem scanning has been around for about 20 years, and now we have it locally. This straightforward process will significantly ease the burden on bereaved families. Thank you to the Council and everyone involved in bringing these much-needed facilities to East London,” Sinitsky said.
