Ford Apologises To Bereaved Families

Justice Minister David Ford has today reassured the Assembly that the recommendations from the human tissue audit will be fully implemented.

In a statement to the Assembly, David Ford apologised for the distress caused to the bereaved families for the fresh pain they have suffered, and confirmed that he will review the support arrangements put in place in Northern Ireland for those families.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) today published the national audit into the retention of human tissues by police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In preparing for that audit, the PSNI discovered that pre-2006, it had retained significant body parts originating from 64 victims without informing the families. In addition, the office of the Police Ombudsman had retained body parts from four victims.

ACPO has made a number of recommendations to ensure that best practice is followed in the future and these cover not only police practice but also extend to both the Coroners Service and the State Pathologist’s Department.

Mr Ford said: "I am committed to ensuring that the recommendations in today’s national audit are implemented fully in Northern Ireland to ensure public confidence.

"I will be considering the most appropriate mechanisms for delivering this in consultation with other relevant organisations. I have already been in contact with the Human Tissue Authority, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary to open discussion on the best approach."

Following the events at Alder Hey and Bristol Hospitals, in 2002 an independent human organs inquiry was established in Northern Ireland which critically reviewed post mortem procedure and practice.

At that time, a dedicated Human Organs Enquiry Line was established locally and families contacted the line and were able to have their concerns addressed.

Chief Constable Matt Baggott has today announced the establishment of a helpline for families affected by the national audit.

Mr Ford said: "The helpline established by the police in conjunction with the Victims Service and Victim Support will be an appropriate point of contact and will refer individuals to the organisations that can best assist.

"I have spoken to both the Commission for Victims and Survivors and Victims Support Northern Ireland and will review these arrangements with them in two weeks time. That will provide an opportunity to assess whether anything further needs to be done to support victims.

"I know from the PSNI and the State Pathologist that any family that has outstanding concerns can raise them with either organisation and have them responded to in a sensitive and open way."

(CD)