KINGSTON – The sudden retirement of Ulster County’s chief medical examiner last month and the increased caseload of deaths requiring autopsies has resulted in the immediate need for an additional deputy medical examiner.
The county legislature’s Laws, Rules and Government Services Committee gave its approval for that during a Thursday evening session.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith said it is imperative that the position be filled.
“The significant need to cover 24/7, 365 days a year is one of the most pressing needs in this situation,” she said. “The county cannot be wi9thout a medical examiner to respond to calls any time day or night.”
Members of the medical examiner’s office said there is insufficient staff to handle the workload in the office.
The full legislature is now expected to approve the creation of the new position.
