This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/wales_politics/8206981.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Major hospital halts post-mortems Major hospital halts post-mortems
(10 minutes later)
Post-mortem examinations have been suspended at Wales' biggest hospital after inspectors found major problems.Post-mortem examinations have been suspended at Wales' biggest hospital after inspectors found major problems.
The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) highlighted problems in procedures, facilities and equipment at University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff.The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) highlighted problems in procedures, facilities and equipment at University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff.
Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said it had set up an "urgent inquiry" and would take immediate action on the HTA's recommendations.Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said it had set up an "urgent inquiry" and would take immediate action on the HTA's recommendations.
The examinations will now take place at other facilities.The examinations will now take place at other facilities.
The examinations at UHW's mortuary were halted last Thursday after its licence was suspended by the (HTA).The examinations at UHW's mortuary were halted last Thursday after its licence was suspended by the (HTA).
Jan Williams, who became the trust chief executive in July, said: "I am disappointed to come in and find myself in receipt of the HTA report.Jan Williams, who became the trust chief executive in July, said: "I am disappointed to come in and find myself in receipt of the HTA report.
"It highlights serious shortcomings in the operating policies and procedures, premises, facilities and equipment in place in the UHW mortuary."It highlights serious shortcomings in the operating policies and procedures, premises, facilities and equipment in place in the UHW mortuary.
Transferring bodies is not only putting pressure on other hospitals but is also extremely distressing for bereaved families Andrew RT Davies AM, ConservativeTransferring bodies is not only putting pressure on other hospitals but is also extremely distressing for bereaved families Andrew RT Davies AM, Conservative
"I accept fully the report's findings and recommendations and have taken immediate action to ensure that we address the concerns raised swiftly so that our licence suspension can be lifted as soon as possible."I accept fully the report's findings and recommendations and have taken immediate action to ensure that we address the concerns raised swiftly so that our licence suspension can be lifted as soon as possible.
"In addition, I have set up an urgent inquiry into the circumstances that led to the HTA decision, to be conducted by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW)."In addition, I have set up an urgent inquiry into the circumstances that led to the HTA decision, to be conducted by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW).
"I will also implement HIW's recommendations once they become available. I am also working closely with the HTA team to ensure our return to full compliance with the HTA standards."I will also implement HIW's recommendations once they become available. I am also working closely with the HTA team to ensure our return to full compliance with the HTA standards.
'Extremely distressing'
"I want to assure people that I take this matter seriously and understand that any discussion of mortuary and post-mortem facilities can cause distress, particularly to people who are recently bereaved.""I want to assure people that I take this matter seriously and understand that any discussion of mortuary and post-mortem facilities can cause distress, particularly to people who are recently bereaved."
Ms Williams said the examinations would be carried out at other locations, including Llandough Hospital, which is part of Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust.Ms Williams said the examinations would be carried out at other locations, including Llandough Hospital, which is part of Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust.
The hospital mortuary's licence has been suspended after an inspection
The trust board is to discuss a progress report at its meeting on 3 September.The trust board is to discuss a progress report at its meeting on 3 September.
Welsh Conservative health spokesman Andrew RT Davies said the problems were "another blow to staff morale and patient confidence".Welsh Conservative health spokesman Andrew RT Davies said the problems were "another blow to staff morale and patient confidence".
He said: "Transferring bodies is not only putting pressure on other hospitals but is also extremely distressing for bereaved families.He said: "Transferring bodies is not only putting pressure on other hospitals but is also extremely distressing for bereaved families.
"This once again calls into question peoples confidence in the service made available by Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust."This once again calls into question peoples confidence in the service made available by Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust.
"Suspending post-mortem examinations is an extreme step to take and the Human Tissue Authority would not make it lightly."Suspending post-mortem examinations is an extreme step to take and the Human Tissue Authority would not make it lightly.
"Whatever the problems are at the mortuary they need to be rectified as soon as possible.""Whatever the problems are at the mortuary they need to be rectified as soon as possible."
Mr Davies said he would be raising his concerns with Ms Williams at a meeting next Tuesday.Mr Davies said he would be raising his concerns with Ms Williams at a meeting next Tuesday.