Welsh mortuary where bodies were mixed up receives ‘partial suspension’ after report

Welsh Mortuary Faces Partial Suspension After Mix-Up

A Welsh mortuary that experienced a mix-up in bodies has received a “partial suspension” of its official recognition. The incident occurred at the Grange University Hospital mortuary in Cwmbran in November 2023, leading to bereaved families receiving the wrong bodies for cremation.

Here are some key points from the report:

  • Apology to a grieving family after the hospital released the wrong body
  • Delay in notifying the family about the mix-up
  • Investigation revealed a lack of standardization in patient release procedures
  • Different identification tags for deceased patients arriving from the community and hospital
  • No list of personnel with access to the facility
  • Seven areas of improvement identified by the UK national accreditation service (UKAS)

The UKAS found evidence of ongoing risks and significant concerns at the mortuary. They cited a lack of standardization in patient release procedures and raised issues regarding security measures. As a result, the UKAS partially suspended the mortuary’s accreditation, subject to review.

The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, responsible for the mortuary, expressed devastation over the mix-up incidents. Safeguards have been implemented to prevent future errors, and staff are undergoing additional training for improvement.

The two incidents in November 2023 triggered internal investigations and inspections by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA), which licenses the health board’s post mortem procedures. The health board confirmed that the incidents shared a common root cause.

Despite the partial suspension by UKAS, the health board continues to address recommendations for improvement. Enhanced security measures, including increased CCTV coverage and updated procedures, are being implemented at all mortuary sites. The health board’s spokesman emphasized their commitment to delivering continued improvements in patient management and security.

The incidents at the Grange University Hospital mortuary have prompted significant changes and enhancements to ensure the proper handling and identification of deceased patients in the future.