The terms of reference and membership of a review group into the running of University Hospital Waterford mortuary has been compiled.

The hospital has been at the centre of controversy for the last month after pathologists warned of cramped conditions.

They claimed deceased bodies were placed in the corridor where they risked leaking.

The report is expected to be finished by September when it will be given to the Department of Health.

A tender has been issued by the HSE to build a new mortuary at Waterford University Hospital.

The warning came in the form of a letter last month by four consultant pathologists.

They said the controversy had caused “unspeakable trauma” to the families of those who have died.

The State Pathologist’s office is no longer making referrals to the mortuary for post mortem examinations.

Despite this, Grace Rothwell, General Manager of University Hospital Waterford says the facility is safe for staff and visitors:

“I am happy today that there is adequate refrigeration capacity, that it is an appropriate place for relatives to view remains and that we have put in place in the immediate procedures to ensure that it is a safe place.

“However, I am also mindful that it is a structure built in 1991, and in the context of post mortems and specifically the post mortem room it is not fit for purpose.”