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The removal, retention and use of human organs and tissue from post-mortem examination: advice from the Chief Medical Officer

Following revelations that children's hearts had been retained after post-mortem examinations at two hospitals, a report was carried out to record the nature and scope of current and past practice. It looks at the legal and regulatory issues on the removal, retention, use and disposal of organs and tissue after death. It examines the basis of the past retentions and the consequences this may have had on the bereaved families. The problems with past and current practice are highlighted in the areas of consent, provision of information, poor record keeping, disposal and sensitivity to the aspects of bereavement, religion and culture. In an improved new system certain areas may need addressing. These include the coroners system, death certification, the commercial use of human tissue and the organisation and regulation of tissue banks. The overall conclusions of the report are outlined, with recommendations made on improving legislation in this area with more openness, information, sensitivity and communication for bereaved families.