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Hospital mortuary inquiry dropped Mortuary's 'pest control' concern
(about 1 hour later)
An investigation into mortuary services at Wales' largest hospital has been dropped by police. Inspectors at a hospital mortuary expressed major concern over its cleanliness and found evidence of an insect infestation on the premises.
A ban on post-mortem examinations was imposed at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, when an inspection last year raised concerns about procedures. A ban on post-mortem examinations at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, followed the inspection.
The ban was lifted in September when the Human Tissue Authority said there had been "significant improvements". The ban was lifted six weeks later when the Human Tissue Authority said there had been "significant improvements".
Police continued to investigate but say they will drop the matter after advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. A police investigation into the mortuary at the hospital - Wales' biggest - has now been dropped.
"South Wales Police have confirmed that upon taking advice of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the circumstances do not raise a reasonable suspicion of criminality justifying further police involvement," South Wales Police and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said in a joint statement. The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) inspection report on 30 July last year, released to BBC Wales, said dust and debris had been found on the post-mortem examination room floor - with no evidence of a cleaning schedule or rota in place.
"CPS and police agree that the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) referral was necessary to ensure public confidence. The inspection team found mould in the mortuary's cold room, and were told by staff that builders had arrived on site to remedy the situation but had been turned away due to a lack of funds.
We want to reassure the public that we monitor compliance with our standards and will take regulatory action where necessary Adrian McNeil, Human Tissue Authority chief executiveWe want to reassure the public that we monitor compliance with our standards and will take regulatory action where necessary Adrian McNeil, Human Tissue Authority chief executive
"South Wales Police have referred the matter back to the HTA, who are working with the University Health Board to build on the significant improvements that have already been made." Inspectors also found there had been an infestation of midges in the mortuary staff room and they were concerned about pest control in other areas.
The HTA inspection report on 30 July last year, released to BBC Wales, said there had been major concerns over the mortuary's cleanliness and evidence of an insect infestation on the premises.
It said dust and debris had been found on the post-mortem examination room floor - with no evidence of a cleaning schedule or rota in place.
The team found mould in the mortuary's cold room, and were told by staff that builders had arrived on site to remedy the situation but had been turned away due to a lack of funds.
Inspectors also found there had been an infestation of lice in the mortuary staff room and they were concerned about pest control in other areas.
'Up to standard'
The report said record keeping procedures at the mortuary had been severely flawed with staff uncertain about when some of the human tissue stored was due for disposal.The report said record keeping procedures at the mortuary had been severely flawed with staff uncertain about when some of the human tissue stored was due for disposal.
But a further inspection at the hospital in September found big improvements had been made, and the ban on post-mortem examinations was lifted.But a further inspection at the hospital in September found big improvements had been made, and the ban on post-mortem examinations was lifted.
South Wales Police, which had been investigating the matter, said on Thursday it would not be taking any further action.
"South Wales Police have confirmed that upon taking advice of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the circumstances do not raise a reasonable suspicion of criminality justifying further police involvement," South Wales Police and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said in a joint statement.
"CPS and police agree that the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) referral was necessary to ensure public confidence.
"South Wales Police have referred the matter back to the HTA, who are working with the University Health Board to build on the significant improvements that have already been made."
Adrian McNeil, HTA chief executive, said the HTA had worked closely with the hospital to help bring the facilities "up to standard".Adrian McNeil, HTA chief executive, said the HTA had worked closely with the hospital to help bring the facilities "up to standard".
He added: "Before the Human Tissue Act, post-mortem examinations were not regulated in law and this case demonstrates the importance of regulation.He added: "Before the Human Tissue Act, post-mortem examinations were not regulated in law and this case demonstrates the importance of regulation.
"We want to reassure the public that we monitor compliance with our standards and will take regulatory action where necessary."We want to reassure the public that we monitor compliance with our standards and will take regulatory action where necessary.
"This year we will prioritise inspections of establishments carrying out post-mortem examinations and expect to complete site visit inspections of all establishments in Wales by March 2011."This year we will prioritise inspections of establishments carrying out post-mortem examinations and expect to complete site visit inspections of all establishments in Wales by March 2011.
"We are already working with the Department of Health, Welsh Assembly Government, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office and professional bodies to improve compliance with our standards.""We are already working with the Department of Health, Welsh Assembly Government, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office and professional bodies to improve compliance with our standards."