01/06/2015

Independent Report Into Infant Cremations Published

An independent report into infant cremations at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury has been published today, Monday.

The independent inquiry was commissioned by Shropshire Council at the request of bereaved families to look into cases where no ashes were returned to families following the cremation of a baby or unborn child at Emstrey Crematorium.

The inquiry began in December 2014. It was led by Chairman David Jenkins, supported by research assistant John Doyle.

The remit of the inquiry was to review the policies, practices and procedures adopted by Emstrey Crematorium and its partners when carrying out infant cremations during the past 15-year period, and to publish a series of findings and recommendations. David Jenkins and John Doyle interviewed bereaved families, current and former members of crematorium staff, council officers, representatives from The Co-Operative Funeralcare – the current operator of Emstrey Crematorium – representatives from funeral directors, staff from other crematoria, support groups and health professionals, Government officials and more.

Clive Wright, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council, said: "On behalf of Shropshire Council I would like to offer my sympathy and sincere apologies to all bereaved families for the distress they have suffered following the cremation of their baby or child at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury.

"I particularly wish to mention those families who have contributed to this inquiry. There can surely be nothing worse than losing a child and I’m sure that reliving their painful experiences has not been easy.

"I realise that the past year has been very difficult for these families and I wish to thank them for their co-operation with the inquiry and for their contribution to the report."

(CD)

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