Eight Bodies Found Decomposing at Hospital Mortuary
Eight bodies were discovered in a state of "advanced deterioration" at the Queen's Medical Centre mortuary in Nottingham, with remains at risk of being sent to the wrong families, according to an inspection by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). The trust, Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH), has apologised and implemented a plan of action.
Deceased Baby Mistaken for Clinical Waste
In a shocking incident in 2019, lab workers disposed of a deceased baby after mistaking it for clinical waste. The independent review, led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, described this as a "complete loss of dignity" for the very early gestation girl and caused immense grief for her parents. The review investigated over 2,500 cases of deceased and harmed mothers and babies at the trust.
Porter Placed Baby's Body with Adult Corpse
In another incident in 2016, a porter placed a baby's body in the same mortuary space as an unrelated adult. The family was not informed of this until 2026, the review found. Ockenden labelled the failings as "utterly shameful" during a board meeting on Thursday, stating: "You let people down when they were born and we mustn't forget you let people down when they died."
HTA Inspection Reveals Critical Deficiencies
An unannounced HTA inspection on March 11-12 identified three critical and six major deficiencies. The regulator found a routine practice of storing bodies in a refrigerated area due to a shortage of freezers, which had a "detrimental effect on the condition and dignity of the deceased." An audit pinpointed eight bodies exhibiting "advanced deterioration." Identification wristbands were not always verified when transferring bodies to funeral services, heightening the risk of incorrect remains being delivered to families. Only 73 out of 145 internally logged incidents were reported to the HTA despite meeting the criteria.
Police Arrest Two Men Over Mortuary Operations
Nottinghamshire Police arrested two men on June 23 as part of Operation Perth, their investigation into maternity services. The arrests relate to alleged violations of the Human Tissue Act, concerning removal, storage, use, and disposal of human tissue. The individuals have been released on bail.
NUH Chief Executive Apologises
NUH chief executive Anthony May apologised to anyone impacted, stating: "We need to treat people with respect and dignity after they've died as we do in life. Donna described it this morning as shameful and I feel a certain element of professional and personal shame that it happened on my watch." Concerns were initially raised by Sarah and Dr Jack Hawkins, whose daughter Harriet was permitted to decompose after her stillbirth in 2016. May confirmed an independent review and a consolidated action plan, with independent oversight, saying: "We've already fixed some of them and we're going to do it quickly."
