Mortuary arrangement at Thomas Hope Hospital in Langholm to end due to new national standards
Local undertakers' management of facility deemed non-compliant with NHS requirements
The arrangement for local undertakers to manage the mortuary at Thomas Hope Hospital in Langholm will be discontinued.
This decision follows new national standards for NHS mortuary facilities set by the Scottish Government in March.
Stephanie Mottram, General Manager of the Community Directorate, explained that while local undertakers have been responsible for the facility in recent years, the designation of the space as an NHS mortuary necessitates compliance with the new guidelines.
“This area at Thomas Hope Hospital has been operated under the responsibility local undertakers in recent years, but does still represent a mortuary on NHS grounds," she said.
Mottram highlighted that the recent inspection determined the mortuary space does not meet the newly established standards.
“Because this mortuary is operated by third-party undertakers as part of their business, rather than by NHS Dumfries and Galloway, we are unable to oversee or assure compliance with these national standards," she said.
Mottram reassured that the transition process was initiated promptly after receiving the new directions and affirmed collaboration with local undertakers to facilitate the necessary changes.
“I’d like to assure that the review was arranged and carried out promptly upon receipt of the new directions, and that we are working with local undertakers to support the necessary arrangements," she added.
The new standards specifically address mortuary operations and do not affect other services at Thomas Hope Hospital, which continue to be managed by NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
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