Glasgow hospital launches inquiry after wrong body cremated | Glasgow

An investigation has been launched by a Glasgow hospital after a mistake led to the wrong body being cremated.

It was revealed only after the funeral and cremation process was completed that the body was mistakenly handed over to funeral directors by the hospital.

The mistake also meant that another family was prevented from having their relative’s remains at their funeral.

NHS bosses have apologized to two families affected by the error at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth university hospital, Scotland’s largest hospital.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which runs the hospital, said the incident was the result of human error after admitting procedures for identifying and labeling bodies before being transferred from the morgue were not followed.

A large-scale investigation has been launched into the incident, which was reported to have occurred last month. Meanwhile, the personnel involved in the incident were suspended.

Medical director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Dr. Scott Davidson offered “sincere apologies” to both families.

“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 a mortician,” he said.

“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 we learn is implemented.”

The Queen Elizabeth university hospital was the subject of a public inquiry in 2015 following a series of infection outbreaks and concerns about its water and ventilation systems, just three years after it was built.

In September, Jane Grant, who chaired the board from 2017 to 2025, faced questions about the hospital’s communication with families and patients.