Ensuring dignity and respect of the deceased in post-mortem sector

As winter approaches, bringing cold weather and its challenges, mortuaries face increased pressure to manage the deceased with dignity and respect. The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) recognises these challenges and emphasises the importance of adequate preparation and contingency storage arrangements. In a recent roundtable discussion, professionals from various sectors gathered to address this critical issue. 

Winter brings not only holidays and festivities but also harsh weather conditions that can impact the capacity of mortuaries. Cold weather can lead to a surge in mortality rates due to various factors, including seasonal illnesses and accidents related to winter conditions. Mortuaries must be well-prepared to handle this increase in pressure while upholding the highest standards of care.
 

The HTA’s guidance for professionals underscores the need for effective contingency storage arrangements. These arrangements are crucial to ensure that the deceased are respectfully stored, preserving their dignity even during peak periods. One key aspect of the guidance is the emphasis on collaboration between different sectors. Professionals from mortuaries need to work with partners across local resilience networks to optimise storage solutions. By sharing resources and expertise, these sectors can enhance their collective capacity to manage the deceased effectively.  Contingency plans should be comprehensive and tailored to local needs. Adequate storage facilities, both primary and contingency, should be identified and prepared in advance. These facilities must meet the necessary standards to guarantee the safety and dignity of the deceased.
 

In July our roundtable discussion on the management of the deceased experts emphasised that even in challenging circumstances, human dignity must remain at the core of all operations. Every individual, regardless of the circumstances of their passing, deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. You can read about the roundtable here: Management of the Deceased.

Properly managed mortuary facilities ensure that families can be reassured that their loved ones are treated with dignity and respect. The guidance provided by the HTA helps professionals to uphold this dignity, even in the face of increased demand.

While professionals work behind the scenes to manage winter capacity in mortuaries, it is important for others to understand the challenges faced by mortuary staff, especially during winter, and the importance of respectful and dignified storage.
 

As winter approaches, it is crucial for mortuaries and related sectors to implement the guidance provided by the HTA. By working together, maintaining the highest standards of care, and upholding human dignity, professionals can navigate the challenges of winter capacity with compassion and efficiency.

For our part, over the winter period we are reducing our routine inspection cycle, within a programme of a significant increase in inspections over the past two years, to enable us to focus on those that are critical to maintaining the dignity of the deceased. Our regulation managers will therefore have more capacity to respond to the increased demand for advice, guidance licence variations and Human Tissue Authority Reportable Incidents (HTARIs) we receive in the winter period.

This week we have written to all licensed establishments in the post-mortem sector about winter planning and invite them to a webinar to share best practice and learn from others working in the sector. In addition to issuing a regulatory update, we have also issued Legal Directions under the Human Tissue Act 2004 in response to information received in response to this year’s data collection exercise. If any establishment is unable to comply with any of those directions or would benefit from support then please contact the HTA.