Police called into mortuary probe

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South Wales Police is investigating after post mortem examinations were suspended at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW), it has been confirmed.

Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) referred its inspection report to the force.

It emerged this month hat inspectors found major problems with mortuary procedures, facilities and equipment.

The trust has also set up a helpline so that any family members with concerns can contact them directly.

South Wales Police said it was too early to say if offences have been committed.

Post-mortem examinations at UHW were suspended earlier this month after HTA inspectors found major problems, in the hospital's mortuary procedures, facilities and equipment.

It issued a proposal to revoke the hospital's licence to store bodies. and the NHS Trust set up an urgent inquiry and said it would take immediate action on recommendations.

One of our primary objectives is to sensitively manage the impact the referral from the HTA may have Ass Ch Cons Colette Paul

Post mortem examinations are now taking place at other facilities, including Llandough Hospital which the trust also runs.

On Friday, the new chief executive at the NHS Trust, Jan Williams, said they could confirm the HTA has referred its inspection report to police.

She said the trust will be co-operating fully with the police, and alternative arrangements for post mortems will continue.

Ms Williams said the helpline will allow any family member to contact them directly for information and support.

Partnership meetings

Assistant Chief Constable Colette Paul, chair of the strategic co-ordinating group, held two multi-agency meetings this week to bring together key organisations and partners to manage the referral of the Human Tissue Authority's (HTA) report into some mortuary facilities at the hospital.

She said: "One of our primary objectives is to sensitively manage the impact the referral from the HTA may have.

"The partnership meetings discussed how support can best be provided.

South Wales Police received the inspection report from the HTA a week ago and is currently considering its content in relation to any offences that may have been committed under the Human Tissue Act, she added.

"It is too early to say if offences have been committed."

Ms Paul added: "I would like to reassure everyone that we are working hard with our partners to deal with the issues raised by the HTA.

"The HTA will continue to work with Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust about the action needed to bring their mortuary systems at the University Hospital of Wales up to the required HTA standards."

The helpline number is 0800 9520244 and it will operate until 2000 BST on Friday and from 0900 to 1700 BST every day from Saturday morning. Information on where to get help outside these times will be included.