Review of chief medical examiner's office begins, report expected in months

A review examining the infrastructure, resources, policies and procedures of the Newfoundland and Labrador Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has begun.

• Brain that was evidence in Labrador infant death case likely thrown out with medical waste, docs show

Dr. Matthew Bowes, the chief medical examiner in Nova Scotia, was brought in by the Department of Justice and Public Safety in August to examine the OCME in this province.

The review was sparked by the loss of key evidence in the death of a Labrador infant.

Matthew Rich, a four-month-old from Sheshatshiu, was taken to hospital in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Oct. 15, 2013, in serious condition, after suffering a head injury. He died later the same day.

His father, Thomas Michel, was charged with second-degree murder in the baby's death. But that charge was dropped after the infant's brain — key evidence in the case — went missing while in the care of the OCME.

A CBC News investigation in January found the office believed the brain was likely accidentally thrown away with other medical waste. Justice Minister Andrew Parsons announced a review of the office days later.

Parsons visited the chief medical examiner's office in Halifax recently, a spokesperson from the department said.

At that time, Parsons met Bowes and his staff. 

Bowes is expected to complete his review and provide recommendations within the next few months.