Bristol General Hospital, Guinea Street, Bristol (1950-1985).

An autopsy is a post-mortem examination in a mortuary. It is carried out when the cause of death is unknown, and to advance medical research. In this country 46% of deaths are reported to the Coroner and about 25% of all deaths result in an autopsy - the highest rate in Europe. An autopsy can take from half an hour to 16 days.

'I believe it is very important to make sure the deceased is treated with respect' says John Pitchers, Mortuary Manager at Flax Burton Public and Forensic Mortuary. 'Here we make sure the deceased is made to look as good as they can when the family view the body. We take great care to make sure the signs of the autopsy are hidden from sight.'