Temporary mortuary being built in Leicester ahead of virus peak

A vacant building at the Leicester General Hospital site will be used as a temporary mortuary during the coronavirus pandemic.

Work has begin on the facility which is will open, in part, for the first time this weekend. The rest of the building will be completed in the coming weeks. 

Tom Purnell, Leicestershire County Council’s Assistant Chief Executive – speaking on behalf of the Local Resilience Forum – said: “We have plans in place to make sure that we can cope, and have been working together across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to prepare – starting with the opening of some of the additional mortuary space at the General Hospital this weekend. The additional capacity will allow us to cope with increased demand so that our NHS colleagues can provide their usual dignified and respectful care for patients.

“We’re also working closely with faith communities and want to make sure we reassure people that their wishes will be respected as far as possible.

“People may be aware of how funerals have changed already – since 23 March for example, attendance at funerals has been restricted to family only, to help with social distancing. In addition, deaths are now registered by telephone.

“Across the local area, staff in our registration services, crematoria, burial, coronial and funeral services are working tirelessly to support families - and people’s patience at this time is very much appreciated.”

Detailed public information is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

You can also visit NHS111 online https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/