Wrong body cremated after ‘mix up’ at NHS hospital mortuary in Glasgow

NHS bosses launched a full investigation and issued an apology after a body was mistakenly handed over to undertakers from a hospital morgue; The mistake was only discovered after cremation had taken place.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland’s largest medical board, acknowledged that the incident had “caused significant additional distress to two families at an already very difficult time” as a result of the incident.

Human error was found to be responsible for the “accidental release” of the body from the medical board morgue at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed that a full investigation is now ongoing and the staff involved have been suspended in the process.

Affected families have been informed of what is happening and have been offered “full support” following the incident, which reportedly occurred last month.

Medical director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Dr. Scott Davidson said: “I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to both families affected.

“We have very rigorous processes for identifying and labeling bodies from the time they arrive at our morgues until they are released into the care of the undertaker.

“It is deeply regretted that these processes were not followed during this period and as a result, two families experienced serious additional distress during an already very difficult period.

“We immediately launched an investigation into this incident and will ensure that what is learned is implemented.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families involved in this terrible incident.

“We are deeply concerned about what has happened and have been clear to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that it must fully investigate the circumstances.”