Post-mortems resume at University Hospital of Wales
Earlier this year, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) suspended post-mortem examinations at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
The HTA found that facilities and equipment in the hospital mortuary were below standard. As a result of the shortcomings in operating policies, practices, equipment and facilities all post-mortem procedures were suspended. In the meantime, bodies were taken to other facilities such as the University Hospital Llandough. The University Hospital of Wales mortuary carries up to 600 post-mortem examinations every year.
The HTA carried out a further investigation at the hospital on 10 and 11 September 2009. They found that the Trust had heavily invested time and resources in ensuring that there are now appropriate systems in place to carry out post-mortems to a standard required by the HTA. The licenses have therefore been reinstated. The HTA will continue to monitor standards and take action if it becomes necessary.
The HTA’s report has been referred to South Wales Police and is not available to the public at this time. The police will investigate whether any offences were committed under the Human Tissue Act.
The HTA is an independent watchdog which licences and inspects organisations that store and use human tissue for research, treatment, post-mortem examinations, teaching and public exhibitions. The HTA works with organisations to help them comply with their standards and takes appropriate regulatory action where there is a failure to meet the standards required.
All post-mortems must take places on premises licensed by the HTA. The HTA has a code of practice which organisations must adhere to in order to meet the statutory requirements related to post-mortems.
If you have been affected by any issues raised in this article please contact us on 0800 158 5258 to speak to one of our specialist advisors.