CRAIG HOY MSP has called on the Scottish Government to urgently review its new mortuary security guidance following the closure of the mortuary facility at Thomas Hope Hospital in Langholm.
Writing to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Neil Gray, Mr Hoy has queried whether the new Security and Governance of NHS Mortuaries guidance has had unintended consequences for rural communities. He has also set out his concerns in a further letter to Scottish Health Secretary Angela Constance.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway recently confirmed that it would end the long-standing arrangement which saw funeral directors operating the mortuary at Thomas Hope Hospital. The Health Board said the facility could no longer continue under the new Scottish Government directions, which require NHS boards to ensure all mortuaries on NHS premises meet new governance and security standards.
Mr Hoy said the decision represents a significant loss for Langholm and the wider Eskdale community.
Commenting, Craig Hoy MSP said:
"While everyone supports the need for high standards of security, governance and dignity in the management of mortuary facilities, it’s deeply concerning that the new guidance has resulted in the closure of a valued local service in Langholm.
"Local families who are already coping with bereavement now face the prospect of their loved ones being transported further, potentially creating more distress and inconvenience at an already difficult time.
"It is essential that the Scottish Government explains the evidence that led to these new requirements and whether it properly considered their impact on rural areas before introducing them."
In his letter, Mr Hoy has asked the Scottish Government to set out the evidence which informed the guidance, explain whether any impact assessment was carried out on rural communities and clarify whether more flexible arrangements were considered for small mortuary facilities operated by local undertakers on NHS premises.
He has also called on Ministers to review the guidance to ensure that proportionate solutions can be found which maintain high standards without seeing the loss of important local services.
Mr Hoy added:
"National guidance should improve standards, not inadvertently lead to the loss of essential community facilities. I am asking the Scottish Government to review this policy and consider whether greater flexibility can be introduced for rural areas while continuing to uphold the highest standards of care and respect for the deceased."
