Family cremates wrong body after hospital mistake

After a bereaved family was given the wrong body for a cremation service, Scotland's largest hospital has apologised. An incorrectly identified body was handed over to undertakers by Morgue workers at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH). The mistake was only apparent after the funeral service and cremation. Human error was blamed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who informed the employer that the employees involved had been suspended.

The family who mistakenly believed they were cremating their loved one is said to be inconsolable, according to theScottish Sun. Another family was also denied the opportunity to have their relative's remains for a funeral, which was also a tragedy.

I would like to extend my sincere apology to both families affected,

Dr. Scott Davidson, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde medical director, said.

We have stringent procedures for identifying and naming bodies from the time they were first deposited in our morgues to their release into the custody of an undertaker.

It's of profound regret that these procedures have not been followed on this occasion, and as a result, two families have been hit with significant additional anxiety at a time of a very difficult time. "We've launched an immediate probe into this incident and will make sure that learning is embedded.

'Deeply concerned'

When it opened in 2015, the Royal Hospital for Children was praised as a world class facility. However, it has been dogged by viruses and questions regarding the water and ventilation systems. As part of theScottish Hospitals Inquiry, such issues are being investigated. The Scottish government said the cremation incident had left it deeply worried.We want to express our sincere condolences to the families affected by this tragic event,a spokesperson said.We've been really clear with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that they must fully investigate the facts.