Autopsies resume at Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office following air conditioning issue

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Autopsies at the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office have been allowed to resume on schedule after battling air conditioning issues last week.

According to Orleans Parish Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna, all autopsies were halted at the coroner’s office for several days as of Friday, June 17, due to a broken air conditioner and unsuitable temporary cooling solutions. Pathologists were reportedly unable to work, as autopsies must be performed between 62 and 58 degrees.

Following the office’s complaints, the City of New Orleans has released new information, stating that temporary improvements were made to lower the temperatures over the weekend and pathologists at the office were able to resume work as a better solution is prepared.

The Department of Property Management is reportedly working with contractors to install a temporary cooling unit, which is expected to keep the autopsy suite adequately cooled throughout the summer. This unit should be installed by June 28.

Additionally, further plans are being made in conjunction with the coroner’s office and the Capital Project Administration to implement a long-term solution, which, will involve improving the autopsy suite’s design and its cooling system.

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