University Hospital Waterford say they have no evidence that would substantiate the recent claims made about the hospital mortuary.

The hospital has moved to reassure the public that all deceased patients are treated with respect and dignity.

A letter, signed by four consultant pathologists, highlighting the lack of proper storage facilities for deceased patients, was published last week.

It stated that it’s led to bodies decomposing on the mortuary corridors resulting in closed coffin funerals.

In a statement the hospital and the South/South West Hospital Group confirmed that they haven’t received any complaint from any member of the public

They also confirmed that the hospital has not received any incident form from any staff member in relation to the mortuary.

They say they’ve been fully aware of the challenge associated with the mortuary infrastructure for some considerable time and that the development of a new building has been on the HSE’s Capital plan since 2014.

Approval to proceed to tender was received in March and should see the new facility being delivered within approximately two years.

The hospital also confirmed that they have received a query from one family since the initial media reports. The hospital is currently engaging with the family concerned.

Statement

Main image: Patrick Browne