David Spratt

Lead Scientist and Manager for the Department of Cellular Pathology at Epsom General Hospital

“This job doesn’t allow you to get bored. Anything can come at you from any direction at any time. There are lots of standards to meet. The Human Tissue Act has helped. It’s made me more aware. The Codes of Practice and guidance are like having a worksheet. You don’t have to store everything in your head.

“In a way, the Act has provided the tools to help me deliver a more effective service. There’s always been a lot of respect for the bereaved amongst mortuary staff, but the Act concentrates the mind.

“I know where I can go for the information I need. I can consult the website, or I can ask the HTA for advice. The guidance from the HTA helps me to advise people straight away on what to do. The staff at the HTA have always been helpful, well informed and supportive. I could not have learnt as much as I needed to, in the time available, without their support.”