Website of the Department of Health

Mortuaries are a vital part of the service the NHS gives to patients who die in hospital, or are brought to hospital after death, and to their families and friends.  Mortuary staff have an important and challenging role, providing an efficient service while responding sensitively to the needs of the bereaved.  This is a difficult job, and there are many caring and dedicated staff working in NHS mortuaries.  On the rare occasions when something goes wrong, however, the impact on bereaved families can be devastating. 

This guidance was developed by a working group including representatives of the various groups working in or with NHS mortuaries; and refined with input from a wide range of individuals and organisations including bereavement organisations, faith groups, minority ethnic groups and hospital chaplains.

The document can be downloaded, or hard copies can be ordered from the DH publications orderline by quoting the title and the code 275584 and:

• Download Care and respect in death: Good practice guidance for NHS mortuary staff (PDF, 170K)
• E-mail dh@prolog.uk.com to request a hard copy (opens new window)