Commissioner Schulte upgrades county coroner's office amid patient transport concerns

The Sullivan County Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee convened on May 1, 2025, to address pressing issues concerning the county's coroner's office and its operational challenges. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the capacity to conduct autopsies within the county, with officials expressing urgency in finding solutions.

A key discussion point was the potential need to transport patients outside of Sullivan County for autopsies due to insufficient local resources. Officials noted their continuous outreach to state organizations for assistance, but reported a lack of responses. Dr. Ashar mentioned she might have a contact who could help, promising to keep the committee updated on any developments.

Commissioner Schulte was commended for leading efforts to upgrade the coroner's office, which has been described as long overdue. The committee acknowledged that the current facilities are inadequate and emphasized the importance of meeting legal requirements for the operations. Meetings have been held with the hospital's CEO and construction teams to ensure that the necessary upgrades, including a new post cooler, are implemented effectively.

The committee remains committed to addressing these challenges and will continue to monitor the situation closely, with updates expected in future meetings. Overall, the discussions underscored the critical need for improvements in the county's coroner services to ensure proper handling of cases and compliance with legal standards.