Ford announces new State Pathologist

Justice Minister David Ford has today announced that a new State Pathologist has been identified.

Dr James Lyness will be appointed on a designate basis on 4 April 2016, to take up appointment by April 2017.  In the interim, the Acting State Pathologist Professor Jack Crane will remain in post.

David Ford said: “Following an international recruitment exercise, I am pleased to announce that a new State Pathologist for Northern Ireland has been identified. Dr James Lyness, who is currently a Consultant Forensic Pathologist within the State Pathologist’s Department in Northern Ireland, has been appointed.  This is on a designate basis until April 2017.

“I want to thank Professor Jack Crane who has agreed in the interim to continue as Acting State Pathologist.” 

Notes to editors: 

1. Dr Lyness joined the SPD in 2007 as a Specialist Registrar in Histopathology.He successfully obtained a Certificate of Completion of Training in Histopathology (Forensic Pathology) in September 2010 and became a Consultant Forensic Pathologist in October 2010.
2. The SPD comprises the State Pathologist and three Forensic Pathologists.  At present there is an acting State Pathologist and two Forensic Pathologists.
3. The recent recruitment campaign also sought to secure the appointment of a forensic pathologist.This was not successful and consideration is being given to the next steps.
4. The current locum arrangements, in place to cover the vacant Forensic Pathologist post, have been working successfully and we plan to continue with these until there is a full complement of staff.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office 028 9052 6139. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

Share this page