A disturbing inspection at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has uncovered bodies that have decomposed to an alarming extent. The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) found eight bodies in advanced deterioration, revealing a shocking failure to transfer them promptly to freezer storage due to insufficient storage facilities.
The HTA's investigation highlighted that the trust's mortuary lacks sufficient space to meet its needs, raising serious concerns about the proper handling of deceased patients. Inspectors also identified a lapse in protocol when releasing bodies to funeral services, with some being kept in sealed bags due to their condition – this increases the distressing risk of mistaken identity and incorrect bodies being released to grieving families.
These issues have been highlighted before, following a complaint from the parents of Harriet Hawkins, who was stillborn at Nottingham City Hospital in 2016. Their daughter's body had decomposed so severely that it required "triple-bagging" for her funeral – an incident extensively detailed in the Ockenden review into maternity services at NUH.
The comprehensive Ockenden review, published this week, concluded that over 500 mothers and babies were harmed or died between 2012 and 2025 due to failures in maternity and neonatal care. The trust's Chief Executive, Anthony May, has apologised for the findings, confirming that an action plan is being submitted to the HTA and that they are working with police and regulators to address the issues.
Separately, Nottinghamshire Police have arrested two men on suspicion of misconduct in a public office connected to the mortuary's operating practices. The case has been bailed pending further investigation.
Source: Human Tissue Authority, Donna Ockenden Review, Nottinghamshire Police