In July 2019, The Honourable Justice Eileen E. Gillese, Commissioner of the Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of Residents in the Long-Term Care Homes System, released her final Report and Recommendations from the inquiry into the nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer serial-killing conviction. The Report recommended broad systemic improvements, including a few directed to strengthening Ontario’s death investigation system.

Specifically, the Report recommended that the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) develop a standardized protocol for autopsies performed on the elderly and that forensic pathologists be trained on this protocol.

Dr. Rebekah Jacques, Forensic Pathologist, London Forensic Pathology Unit, has developed a professional interest in these issues and is leading this important work on behalf of the OFPS. Dr. Jacques has developed comprehensive guidelines for medicolegal autopsies of potential elder abuse and neglect cases.