A report concerning West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (WHTHT) has revealed ongoing mortuary failings across Watford General Hospital (WGH) and Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
In September 2023, Watford News reported on the failings of WHTHT after a review showed that the trust had “insufficient internal capacity for storage of bodies” and “the number of bodies had recently reached double that of the internal mortuary capacity”.
December 2024’s board papers show that WHTHT’s failures continue, with no fridge capacity at Hemel or the trust, high fridge temperatures, no deep clean of WGH’s external units, and incorrect floor coverings in WGH that make it “not possible to mop floors”.
It was also reported that CCTV didn’t cover all areas of the external units and that during busy periods, WHTHT was forced to transfer bodies back inside due to no space in the external units.
The report states that if these concerns are not resolved, it may lead to “a breach of the standards and Human Tissue Authority Reportable Incidents and associated loss of confidence in the trust as a result of reputational damage”.
A Trust spokesperson said: “The Trust opened a new mortuary and chapel of rest at Watford General Hospital on Monday, December 16. The new facility has increased capacity, is better equipped, contains long-term storage facilities and is operating with enhanced security, which ensures the safety and dignity of our patients at all times.
“A recent inspection by the Heath Tissue Authority showed standards have been assessed as fully met.
“Hemel Hempstead Hospital mortuary will reopen in spring 2025 following a full refurbishment programme.”
0 Comments