£200k to bring failing mortuary up to standard

TORBAY Hospital has spent more than £200,000 on a transformed mortuary after a critical report identified serious shortfalls.

The mortuary has been completely transformed over the last 12 months, including a full refurbishment, investment in equipment and significant changes to the way the service is run.

The 2017 report from the Human Tissue Authority criticised post-mortem suite facilities, governance, premises, facilities and equipment.

It said: “There is significant work to be done to bring the establishment back up to an acceptable level of compliance.”

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Torbay Hospital, has now spent more than £212,000 to update the facilities and improve the environment for staff and visiting families.

The refurbishment included a redesign and rebuild to create more space and increase capacity, as the original department was completed in 1969 when the population of Torbay and South Devon was much smaller. They have invested in new decor and equipment.

Staff retention has also improved with the better working environment and training to support them in their roles.

Rob Dyer, medical director at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The mortuary team have worked incredibly hard to make the improvements as quickly as possible, working in partnership with the HTA, so that we not only meet but also exceed expected standards.

“It is so important for families and loved ones to know that we are caring sensitively for those who have died while being under our care. We are more confident than ever that we can provide care and preserve dignity for these patients and for their grieving relatives.”

A spokesman for the HTA added: “We acknowledge the significant work that has gone towards bringing the mortuary back to compliance with the required standards.”