‘Shipman’ laws are put on hold to help GPs cope with growing death toll
MEDICAL safeguards introduced following the conviction of Britain’s most notorious serial killer Dr Harold Shipman will be temporarily relaxed as Ministers are handed sweeping new powers to tackle coronavirus.
Under emergency legislation to be put before MPs within days, strict rules around the registration of deaths and cremations will be put on hold to ease the burden on the NHS.
Measures to stop the ‘death management industry’ being overwhelmed will also be drawn up, including using so-called Henry VIII powers to allow the compulsory purchase of land for large burial sites with the flick of a ministerial pen.
The new law, expected to sail through the Commons due to the Government’s 80-seat majority, will allow further emergency provisions to be implemented through statutory instrument – changes to the law that do not require a vote.
The Mail on Sunday understands the grim reality of what Whitehall insiders have dubbed ‘death pits’ have been left from the Bill to avoid panic.
The Civil Contingencies Act of 2004 requires previously legislated emergency powers to be renewed every 21 days once they are triggered, but the MoS has learnt this provision may be amended due to the elongated nature of this crisis.
The upcoming legislation, due to be published this week and voted on before Easter recess, will also give the Government the powers to suspend large public gathersus
The move puts key summer events such as Glastonbury, the VE Day commemorations, Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon and Royal Ascot in doubt.
Scotland became the first part of the UK to ban large events and gatherings of more than 500 people. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the move on Thursday – despite admitting it would do little to stem the spread of the virus. It was the first major break in the cross-Border consenfor tackling the outbreak. Ms Sturgeon said the ban would ‘remove unnecessary burdens’ on emergency services that were already under ‘acute pressure’.
Boris Johnson faced criticism for not taking such actions, despite similar steps being taken by other European countries as the pandemic worsens. He insisted he was following scientific advice that such closures would have a limited effect.
Yesterday, a Whitehall source denied the Government was Uings. turning on that advice, saying the change of heart reflected concerns about the pressure mass gatherings put on police and ambulance services that may be depleted because of the virus.
‘We have drafted emergency legislation to give the Government the powers it needs to deal with coronavirus, including powers to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations,’ the source said. ‘We will publish this legislation next week.’
It is expected that the so-called ‘shutdown’ of the UK will be designed to coincide with the UK state school holiday timetable – with schools already due to close on Friday, April 3 for two weeks.
Meanwhile, the police and armed services will be given the power to ground planes coming to Britain, stop trains, close motorways and detain suspected virus incubators or sufferers.
While law enforcement will be given greater powers, doctors and healthcare professionals will be freed from red tape as the death toll mounts.
The medical world was rocked when GP Shipman killed more than 200 of his patients, sparking a clampdown on how deaths are registered. Where previously Shipman was able to mask his actions, now following the death of a patient a doctor must issue a medical certificate of cause of death and hand it to next of kin. If that relative then applies to have the body cremated a second doctor is required to complete an additional certificate confirming the cause of death.
The second doctor must discuss and check the cause of death with the first doctor and the family or carers and note any inconsistencies, before sending both forms to a medical referee.
The emergency legislation will allow for just one doctor or medical professional to sign off deaths and cremations.
The emergency laws could be approved without a formal vote amid fears crowded voting lobbies could help spread the virus.