WA authorities deny claims palliative care patient was alive when taken to morgue

West Australian officials have denied claims a palliative care patient may have been alive when he was transferred to a Perth morgue.

The doctor, who has since quit the hospital, is alleging authorities sought to cover up the incident.

Paul Forden, chief executive at the health service, on Thursday said an experienced nurse had assessed the man on 5 September and found no signs of life.

But there were no treating doctors available to certify the death as required.

Mark Duncan-Smith, the Australian Medical Association WA president, said the doctor had acted with integrity.

The health minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson, said she was seeking answers over the incident.