New State bereavement viewing facility opens

Health Minister Kim Hames today opened a new $2.

  • $2.4million facility to provide a dignified place of solace for grieving families

  • Modern light-filled viewing rooms and a reception area

  • Landscape design guided by Aboriginal consultation group

Health Minister Kim Hames today opened a new $2.4million bereavement viewing facility at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (QEIIMC), for families to view their deceased loved ones in a dignified and compassionate setting.

The bereavement viewing facility is part of the State Mortuary, which services coronial cases as well as Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

"The circumstances under which this facility will be visited will often be tragic," Dr Hames said.

"It was therefore important to ensure this building was designed with these sensitivities in mind, and that it would be a modern facility in an accessible location.

"It was my hope that this building would be somewhere that families and friends could go to view their loved one in a place of dignity and compassion, and I am pleased that this has been accomplished."

An Aboriginal community consultation group provided guidance on the landscaping of the gardens, which includes a peaceful place of contemplation and reflection.

The new facility consists of three viewing rooms and a reception area.

A smoking ceremony also took place as part of the building's official opening.

        Fact File

  • The former viewing facility was designed in the 1960s and included one viewing room

  • Currently there is an average of 150 viewings per month, from both hospital and coronial cases

  • The bereavement viewing facility is part of a major redevelopment of the QEIIMC site, which also includes a new multi-deck car park, adult mental health unit, comprehensive cancer centre, Western Australian Institute of Medical Research, PathWest, New Children's Hospital and central energy plant

  • For more construction updates and information regarding the QEIIMC redevelopment visit http://www.qeiiredevelopment.health.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5300