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12/06/2001
NI ORGAN RETENTION REPORT PUBLISHED
A report outlining the results of an investigation into the retention of organs by hospitals in Northern Ireland by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) was published on Tuesday, June 12.
The report into the situation in Northern Ireland was prompted by the nationwide outrage at the retention of organs in the Royal Liverpool’s Children’s Hospital, which subsequently led to the Alder Hey Inquiry, and concern over the situation at other regional hospitals.
Drawing together information previously made public by the health Minster, Bairbre de Brun to the Assembly in March this year, the report sets out clearly the number of organs retained in hospitals in Northern Ireland.
The report indicates that since 1970 a total of 49,310 post mortems were performed here and in 1,167 cases organs from these were retained. Not surprisingly, the Royal Victoria Hospital, which has the largest pathology department in the province, retained most of these organs.
Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Henrietta Campbell said: “This report summarises a preliminary investigation into retained organs. This investigation was conducted by the Department in January 2001 when it became apparent that there was a significant number of organs which had been retained in previous years following post-mortems. All of this information is now with the Human Organs Inquiry and the Relatives Reference Group, and I hope it will be of assistance in their difficult task.”
The Chief Medical Officers Report into retained organs clearly states: “While pathologists and other doctors knew that collection of organs were maintained in some major hospitals, the retention of organs was not public knowledge. Those consenting to post mortems often did not appreciate that organs were frequently retained for a short time, to complete the post-mortem examination; and on occasions, for a longer period where this was considered necessary.”
New interim legislation put in place in March this year aims to ensure those wishing to donate the organs of family members or relatives are in full possession of the facts before legally consenting to such post-mortem procedures. The provisional legislation, which will be revised in September 2001 following the CMO’s (England) report to government ministers, also stresses the need for respectful disposal of organs or body parts. (AMcE)
The report into the situation in Northern Ireland was prompted by the nationwide outrage at the retention of organs in the Royal Liverpool’s Children’s Hospital, which subsequently led to the Alder Hey Inquiry, and concern over the situation at other regional hospitals.
Drawing together information previously made public by the health Minster, Bairbre de Brun to the Assembly in March this year, the report sets out clearly the number of organs retained in hospitals in Northern Ireland.
The report indicates that since 1970 a total of 49,310 post mortems were performed here and in 1,167 cases organs from these were retained. Not surprisingly, the Royal Victoria Hospital, which has the largest pathology department in the province, retained most of these organs.
Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Henrietta Campbell said: “This report summarises a preliminary investigation into retained organs. This investigation was conducted by the Department in January 2001 when it became apparent that there was a significant number of organs which had been retained in previous years following post-mortems. All of this information is now with the Human Organs Inquiry and the Relatives Reference Group, and I hope it will be of assistance in their difficult task.”
The Chief Medical Officers Report into retained organs clearly states: “While pathologists and other doctors knew that collection of organs were maintained in some major hospitals, the retention of organs was not public knowledge. Those consenting to post mortems often did not appreciate that organs were frequently retained for a short time, to complete the post-mortem examination; and on occasions, for a longer period where this was considered necessary.”
New interim legislation put in place in March this year aims to ensure those wishing to donate the organs of family members or relatives are in full possession of the facts before legally consenting to such post-mortem procedures. The provisional legislation, which will be revised in September 2001 following the CMO’s (England) report to government ministers, also stresses the need for respectful disposal of organs or body parts. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
05 June 2002
Human Organs report to be implemented in full
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Bairbre de Brún, has announced that she is to fully implement the recommendations of the Human Organs Inquiry and publish the report. The Inquiry was set up in March 2001 in response to concerns over past practice in post mortems, organ removal, retention and disposal.
Human Organs report to be implemented in full
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Bairbre de Brún, has announced that she is to fully implement the recommendations of the Human Organs Inquiry and publish the report. The Inquiry was set up in March 2001 in response to concerns over past practice in post mortems, organ removal, retention and disposal.
20 November 2002
Human organs inquiry line launched
A telephone enquiry line which will provide information to members of the public about human organs and tissue retained after post mortem examination, was launched today. The line, known as the Human Organs Enquiry line, will be operated by the Parents Advice Centre on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
Human organs inquiry line launched
A telephone enquiry line which will provide information to members of the public about human organs and tissue retained after post mortem examination, was launched today. The line, known as the Human Organs Enquiry line, will be operated by the Parents Advice Centre on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
20 October 2003
Human organs legislation announced
Proposals for new legislation on human organs and tissue have been announced today by the Department of Health. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell, said change was necessary because current law was neither "comprehensive nor as clear and consistent as it might be".
Human organs legislation announced
Proposals for new legislation on human organs and tissue have been announced today by the Department of Health. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell, said change was necessary because current law was neither "comprehensive nor as clear and consistent as it might be".
22 May 2002
University admits retaining organs for research
A local family has spoken of their devastation following revelations that Queen's University retained tissue from their son, who died 11 years ago. The family was informed on Tuesday that the university still has six samples of brain tissue from Colin Bingham, who died in 1991 as a result of a joy-riding incident.
University admits retaining organs for research
A local family has spoken of their devastation following revelations that Queen's University retained tissue from their son, who died 11 years ago. The family was informed on Tuesday that the university still has six samples of brain tissue from Colin Bingham, who died in 1991 as a result of a joy-riding incident.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
