Coronavirus: Extra mortuary created for Leicestershire people

Almost 9,000 patients found to have the disease have died in the UK so far, including 88 at hospitals in Leicester.

This does not include those who have passed away after testing postive at care homes and in the community across the county.

Organisations are working together across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to prepare for the continuing impact of coronavirus on mortuaries, crematoria, burial sites and funeral directors.

Public sector organisations – including local authorities and the NHS – have been working with colleagues from public, voluntary, faith communities and private sectors to plan and prepare for the increased need for support when someone dies.

The government expect the humber of deaths related to Covid-19 could peak this month and, in preparation, a vacant building at the Leicester General Hospital will be used as an additional mortuary for the county.

Part of the building will be open over this weekend with the completed facility available in the coming weeks.

Tom Purnell, Leicestershire County Council’s assistant chief executive – speaking on behalf of the Local Resilience Forum – said: “We have plans in place to make sure that we can cope, and have been working together across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to prepare – starting with the opening of some of the additional mortuary space at the General Hospital this weekend.

“The additional capacity will allow us to cope with increased demand so that our NHS colleagues can provide their usual dignified and respectful care for patients.

“We’re also working closely with faith communities and want to make sure we reassure people that their wishes will be respected as far as possible.”

He added: “People may be aware of how funerals have changed already – since March 23 for example, attendance at funerals has been restricted to family only, to help with social distancing.

“In addition, deaths are now registered by telephone.

“Across the local area, staff in our registration services, crematoria, burial, coronial and funeral services are working tirelessly to support families - and people’s patience at this time is very much appreciated.”

Bereavement support charities, such as Cruse, have added information to their website specifically around dealing with grief under these very difficult circumstances.