The HTA licensing standards on governance and quality systems reinforces the importance of continuous service improvement through audit. A robust audit schedule helps ensure accuracy, transparency and compliance with HTA regulations. They also identify risks and areas for improvement, promoting accountability and efficiency.
On 9 October, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) held a forum for sector representatives, bringing together professionals from across the post-mortem sector. The meeting provided an opportunity for open discussion on key issues facing the industry, with a focus on unannounced inspections and preparations for winter pressures.
Unannounced Inspections
HTA licensed establishments in the Post-mortem, Human Application and Organ Donation and Transplantation sector are required to report incidents to the HTA.
How to report them are different for each sector.
HTA publishes revised guidance on reporting incidents in the post mortem sector.
The webinar will be an opportunity for those who work in mortuaries where post-mortem examinations take place that are licensed and inspected by the HTA.
It will be an opportunity to talk through the challenges of winter pressures, contingency planning, flow vs storage of bodies, share best practice and learn about the support HTA can provide.
Nicolette Harrison, Director of Regulations, writes about ensuring dignity and respect of the deceased in post-mortem sector.
Every year around twenty people make the choice to be buried at sea off the Isle of Wight. Unfortunately in a small number of instances human remains have washed back to shore, resulting in an unusual challenge for the Human Tissue Authority and our partners.
Shaping the future together
I recently chaired a roundtable on the management of the deceased that took place on 19 July 2023. It brought together stakeholders from various organisations and government bodies. The purpose was to consider current practices, confront challenges, and identify areas for improvement.
I am the Designated Individual for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board within the heart of the South Wales Valleys. During my appointment in 2020 I anticipated our next Human Tissue Authority (HTA) inspection would be during 2022/2023 and up to the point of inspection I spent much of my time working with clinical teams across our Mortuary services, and other relevant areas such as Midwifery, ensuring all standards were being met.
