Post mortem facilities at University Hospital of Wales

HTA media statement

Issue date: 4 February 2010

Adrian McNeil, Chief Executive of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA), said:

“The HTA carried out an inspection of post mortem facilities at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff on 30 July 2009. The inspection raised serious concerns about practices, procedures and the suitability of premises, which did not comply with HTA standards. On inspection, records could not be provided for some of the tissue that was being stored.

“The priority now is for the hospital to dispose of tissue where appropriate according to the HTA’s code of practice.

“Since July we have worked closely with the hospital to help get the facilities up to standard. The hospital has invested significant time and resources and made great improvements. We are working with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to build on the significant improvements that have already been made.

“Since the Human Tissue Act came into force in 2006, establishments have had to ensure post-mortem examinations take place in suitable facilities, and are undertaken by trained staff working to stringent procedures. During post-mortem examinations, tissue and organs may be taken to help establish the cause of death. After the Coroner has established the cause of death, tissue and organs that were removed can be returned to the body, respectfully disposed of or kept with consent for purposes such as research or training, depending on the wishes of relatives’. Post mortem establishments must keep accurate records of relatives’ wishes, and have clear systems to ensure they are carried out in a timely way.

“Before the Human Tissue Act, post-mortem examinations were not regulated in law and this case demonstrates the importance of regulation. We want to reassure the public that we monitor compliance with our standards and will take regulatory action where necessary.

“This year we will prioritise inspections of establishments carrying out post-mortem examinations and expect to complete site-visit inspections of all establishments in Wales by March 2011. We are already working with the Department of Health, Welsh Assembly Government, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office and professional bodies to improve compliance with our standards."

END

Contacts

For further information, please contact Claire Bithell, Senior Media Advisor at the Human Tissue Authority on 0207 211 3439 or claire.bithell@hta.gov.uk. For out of hours enquiries please call 07917 551741.

A statement issued by South Wales Police is available from their press office on 01656 869291, press option 1.

Notes to editors

• University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, is part of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (formerly Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust).
• A public information line has been established by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board: 0800 952 0244.
• The HTA has inspected 12 of the 18 establishments that hold and HTA licence for post-mortem examination in Wales. The remainder will be inspected by the end of March 2011.
• The HTA is an independent watchdog that protects public confidence by licensing and inspecting organisations that store and use tissue for purposes such as research, patient treatment, post-mortem examination, teaching, and public exhibitions. We also give approval for organ and bone marrow transplants from living people through an independent assessment process.
• The HTA provides advice and guidance about two laws: the Human Tissue Act (HT Act) and the Quality and Safety Regulations. These laws ensure human tissue is used safely and ethically, with proper consent. The HT Act applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• The HTA produces codes of practice that give professionals practical guidance on human tissue legislation. The HTA has codes of practice on Post-mortem examination, Removal, storage and disposal of human organs and tissue, and Consent: codes of practice