Construction of a replacement Mortuary Building at University Hospital Waterford is expected to start before the end of the year.

It’s after a damning letter sent by four consultant pathologists to the chief executive of the hospital group last October was published in the Waterford News & Star this week.

The graphic letter described bodily fluids leaking onto the floor and bodies decomposing in corridors due to inadequate body storage and refrigeration facilities, causing “almost unspeakable trauma” to the families of those who’ve died.

The consultants highlighted the lack of sufficient refrigeration and warns the mortuary poses an environmental and health risks, because of the danger of infection spreading and the circulation of unfiltered air.

They also said the cramped facilities expose the public to the noise and odours of a working post-mortem room when visiting the public areas for identification/viewing purposes and funerals

Excerpts from the letter sent by Consultant Pathologists from UHW last October

In a statement issued to WLR news this morning a spokesperson says the hospital has recently received approval for a new replacement Mortuary Building.

They expect that the request for tender will be issued shortly.

They added that UHW is currently examining interim arrangements to address the issues raised.