Inspectors from the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) have found that bodies are being left to decompose in NHS hospitals across England due to insufficient freezing facilities. A lack of freezer space and inadequate storage have meant bodies are kept at unsuitable temperatures for extended periods.
At Leeds General Infirmary, one body was stored for 70 days and showed signs of decomposition despite being released by the coroner. HTA guidance states bodies should be moved to frozen storage within 30 days. The report also noted no cleaning schedule for the body store and a missing lock on a door from the visitors area to the staff office, allowing potential access to the main mortuary.
Similar issues were found at Royal Blackburn Hospital, where two bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition after not being moved to frozen storage. At King's College Hospital in London, several bodies were decaying in mouldy and infested conditions, with the long-term storage unit at capacity. The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford also had bodies showing signs of deterioration after being held in refrigerated storage beyond 30 days.
An HTA spokeswoman said the management of the deceased in some licensed mortuaries was a concern, and they expect all establishments to comply with standards to ensure dignity. Trusts have since taken action: Leeds Teaching Hospitals improved systems and communication with coroners, King's College Hospital expanded mortuary provision, and Oxford University Hospitals noted that some deterioration is expected but they aim to transfer bodies to frozen storage when possible.
