Mortuary capacity issues - Regulatory update

Today we’ve issued a regulatory update to provide advice and guidance on managing mortuary capacity issues.

 

Licensed establishments are encouraged to revisit existing HTA Guidance on contingency storage arrangements for the deceased: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/guidance-sector/post-mortem/guidance-contingency-storage-arrangements 

 

If additional storage is required, please inform the HTA of this by email to: Licensing@hta.gov.uk

 

An extension of storage capacity and location(s) increases the risks which are associated with licensable activities. Establishments should therefore undertake risk assessments, ensure sufficient training is provided to staff and ensure current SOPs, policies and procedures reflect current practice. In respect of the risk of release of the wrong body, establishments should review existing guidance: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/guidance-sector/post-mortem/release-wrong-body-incidents-post-mortem-sector 

 

Where additional storage will be off-site and bodies are being held for a scheduled purpose, a HTA licence is required. Guidance on the HTA’s emergency mortuary licensing can be found at:  https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/licences-roles-and-fees/licensing/applying-our-licences/emergency-mortuary

 

Establishments are reminded of their obligations to report to the HTA any incidents that fall within the categories outlined in our guidance that can be found at: https://www.hta.gov.uk/guidance-professionals/regulated-sectors/post-mortem/post-mortem-hta-reportable-incidents-htaris 

 

Further information on the update can be found here