Background
The bequest (donation) of human bodies for anatomical study is a unique and special
responsibility of the department. In New Zealand the current procedures and the
associated legislation providing for the bequest of human bodies after death to
medicine were initiated in the mid-1940s and had become fully effective by the
time the Auckland
School of Medicine was opened in 1968. We have aimed at developing
a caring and sensitive approach to managing this important aspect of the department's
responsibilities.
Procedure
In discussing the bequest (donation) of a human body, the
department places
special
emphasis on interacting with the bereaved family in a sensitive and ethical manner.
At the time of death, one of the anatomists in the department personally
speaks to the family, outlining the procedures and ensuring that all those involved
are aware of and understand their rights and responsibilities, as detailed in the Human
Tissue Act (2008). We receive valuable information on their medical history from both
the family and general practitioner. This information is invaluable in the case-based
teaching programme in the department.
Students
From the student's perspective, we are conscious that there are always personal
concerns, often of a cultural nature, about the process of the anatomical examination
of the human body. We have therefore developed a process of introducing the student
to the human body which helps to allay these concerns. The students are introduced
to the embalmed human body in an ethically sensitive manner, emphasising that the
bequest represents their first "patient". This introduction begins with an informal
interdenominational "Wakanoa" (blessing service) where Māori and Polynesian elders,
in co-operation with the University Chaplain, discuss the cultural and ethical aspects
of examining the human body. Students are appreciative of this gradual introduction
to the human body.
Appreciation
Over recent years there has been significant development in a number of medical
schools towards the more open acknowledgement and appreciation of bequests made
to medicine. In many cases the ashes are returned to the family by
prior arrangement. Most families visit the department
to receive the ashes and in some cases they are personally returned to the family
by the Bequest Co-ordinator. In other cases, the family's expressed wish is
that the ashes are not returned to them but are to be scattered by the Auckland
Medical School.
The Auckland Medical School holds an annual interdenominational service, conducted by the University Chaplain at the MacLaurin Chapel,
The University of Auckland, at which we express
our appreciation and gratitude for the bequests to the School before
scattering the ashes at the Memorial Plot at the Mangere Lawn Cemetry.
The process of accepting and managing bequests is carried out under the formal authority
and guidance of the Inspector of Anatomy, usually a District Commander of the
Auckland Police Services District, who is formally appointed by the Minister of
Health.
For further information please contact:
Mrs Valerie McMurtry
Bequest Co-ordinator
Department of Anatomy with Radiology
Private Bag 92019
Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 923 6703
Fax: +64 9 373 7484
Email: v.mcmurtry@auckland.ac.nz
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