Family cremates wrong body after Glasgow hospital mistake

Scotland’s largest hospital has apologized after a grieving family was given the wrong body for burial.

Mortuary staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow handed over a mislabeled body to funeral directors.

The mistake was discovered only after the funeral and cremation.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde blamed human error and said the staff involved had been suspended.

First reported by Scottish SunIt was stated that the family, who thought they had burned their loved ones, could not be consoled.

This mistake also denied another family the chance to retrieve their relative’s body for burial.

Greater Glasgow and Clyde medical director Dr. Scott Davidson said: “I would like to offer my sincere 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.”

The £840 million QEUH campus, which includes the Royal Children’s Hospital, was recognized as a world-leading facility when it opened in 2015.

But this was dogged by infection outbreaks and concerns about water and ventilation systems.

Such matters are being investigated as part of the investigation. Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.