NI households to receive post mortem leaflet

Every household in Northern Ireland is set to receive a leaflet detailing information regarding post mortem examinations.

The leaflet, which will be delivered over the next two months, will provide relatives with information on how to request the return of human organs and tissue that may have been kept after post mortem examinations carried out before 2001.

Commenting on the sensitive nature of these issues, Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Etta Campbell, said: "We regret the failures of the past and the distress that has been caused, albeit unintentionally, to grieving relatives. To them we offer an unconditional apology and a promise that through new law, new systems and new procedures we will not allow these failures to be repeated."

This should come as a welcome relief for many families of organ retention victims across Northern Ireland fighting for recognition of their grievances on this contentious issue.

Dr Campbell said that in May she had issued interim guidance to hospital Trusts, universities and the research community on the use of human organs and tissues.

She also referred to new legislation being drafted that will regulate activities involving human organs and tissue through licensing, codes of practice and inspection.

The new legislation, which will apply to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will include a series of offences and penalties for those who break the rules.

(MB)