Nottingham NHS trust mortuary had bodies in advanced deterioration, inspectors say
8 reported
Human Tissue Authority inspectors who visited Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in March found eight bodies in a state of advanced decomposition due to not being transferred to a freezer within a sufficient timeframe. The trust, which is the subject of the NHS’s largest inquiry into maternity services, was found to have insufficient storage to meet the needs of the mortuary service. Inspectors also noted that identification wristbands were not always checked when bodies, kept in hermetically sealed bags due to deterioration, were transferred to funeral services, increasing the risk of the wrong body being released to families. The problems emerged after the parents of Harriet Hawkins, who was stillborn at Nottingham City Hospital in 2016, questioned why her body had decomposed so badly it had to be triple-bagged for her funeral. A review published on Wednesday, led by independent senior midwife Donna Ockenden, found that more than 500 mothers and babies died or were harmed at the trust between 2012 and 2025 due to systemic failures in maternity and neonatal care. The trust’s chief executive, Anthony May, apologized and said the trust has submitted an action plan to the regulator. Separately, two men aged 55 and 59 have been bailed after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office in connection with operating practices at the mortuary service.
What’s reported
HTA inspectors visited Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in March and found eight bodies in a state of advanced decomposition.
The bodies were not transferred to a freezer within a sufficient timeframe.
Inspectors concluded the trust has insufficient storage to meet mortuary service needs.
Identification wristbands were not always checked when bodies were transferred to funeral services.
The issue emerged after the parents of stillborn Harriet Hawkins (2016) questioned her body’s decomposition.
A review led by Donna Ockenden found more than 500 mothers and babies died or were harmed at the trust between 2012 and 2025.
Trust chief executive Anthony May apologized and said an action plan has been submitted to the regulator.
Two men, aged 55 and 59, were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and have been bailed.
Key figures
Anthony May, chief executive of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Donna Ockenden, independent senior midwife
Harriet Hawkins, stillborn at Nottingham City Hospital in 2016
Sources: The Guardian
