A major Scottish health board has launched an urgent investigation after a devastating administrative error resulted in the wrong body being cremated.
Hospital Apologises for 'Human Error'
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has issued a profound apology to two families after a mistake at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. The board confirmed the incident, which occurred last month, was the result of human error, where established procedures for identifying and labelling bodies before their release from the mortuary were not followed.
The tragic mix-up meant one family proceeded with a funeral service and cremation, only to later discover the remains were not those of their relative. Consequently, a second family was prevented from having their loved one's remains present at their own funeral service.
Immediate Investigation and Suspensions
The health board stated it has initiated a full investigation into the failure. The staff members involved in the incident have been suspended while the inquiry takes place.
Dr Scott Davidson, the deputy medical director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, offered sincere apologies to both families affected. "We have very rigorous processes for the identification and labelling of bodies from arrival in our mortuaries until their release into the care of an undertaker," he said.
"It is of deep regret that these processes have not been adhered to on this occasion, and that as a result two families have been caused significant additional distress at an already very difficult time. We launched an immediate investigation into this incident and will ensure that learning is applied."
Latest Scandal for Troubled Hospital
This incident is the latest in a series of controversies to hit the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Scotland's largest hospital. The facility, which opened in 2015, is already subject to an ongoing public inquiry. This separate investigation was established following a series of infection outbreaks and serious concerns regarding its water supply and ventilation systems.
Furthermore, in September of last year, the health board's former chief executive, Jane Grant, faced intense questioning over the hospital's communication with patients and their families. The latest error involving the wrong body being cremated will raise further serious questions about operational standards and patient dignity within the institution.
