Regulator steps up inspections after ‘severe’ mortuary failings

Hospital mortuaries are to face more unannounced inspections because of growing concerns over serious failings.

The Human Tissue Authority, which regulates how human tissue and organs are stored and used, said most inspections of mortuaries licensed for post-mortems will now be unannounced due to “the increased severity of shortfalls we are finding and, in some cases, a failure to take corrective and preventative action following inspection,” according to its latest newsletter.

The HTA has also increased the frequency of visits to premises and increased its scrutiny and testing of evidence on security systems, according to its board papers, to increase “protection for the dignity of the deceased”.

An independent inquiry into David Fuller, who sexually abused more than 100 women’s and girls’ bodies in a hospital mortuary, has raised awareness of the issue, the papers explain. A second report from the Fuller inquiry is due to be out later this year, which will consider whether hospitals are safeguarding the security and dignity of the deceased.

HSJ has reported on numerous mortuary failings identified in HTA inspections, including decomposing bodies and unauthorised people gaining entry.

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Source: HSJ, 8 October 2024