David Hinchcliffe

Manager and Prosector for Medical Teaching Unit, University of Sheffield

I am the DI for the anatomy licence at the University of Sheffield. My role is really varied, and includes everything from taking the calls from the public, to dealing with the legal profession and GPs, and carrying out dissection.

One of the main attractions for medical students studying here is the opportunity to dissect human bodies. Not all medical schools do this now, but we believe it is important that students understand the anatomy of a real body. We explain to them that the dignity of the deceased must never be compromised and it is my role as DI to make sure this is the case.

Above all they are taught to show respect. The students know they are in an extremely privileged position to be learning anatomy from a real human body. Knowing that this area is regulated is important for public confidence.

We get a lot of calls from members of the public who want to donate their body to medical science, and some of these are passed on to us by the HTA.

The anatomy code of practice is useful - it tells us what the HTA want, how to do it and we can refer back to it if we are not sure. The anatomy summary inspection report has also given us insight into what standards are expected and where there are shortfalls.

We always worked to high standards, but the HTA has given us a framework to operate under. I valued becoming a DI because it gave me more authority to say how things should be done.

The HTA has made me aware of the need for more regular auditing and checking, and, although we have never had a problem, the framework that we now work to means the likelihood of problems occurring is even more remote.