Mortuaries: Visits

The Department has not made a specific assessment on the potential merits of introducing a right for families to visit their loved ones in a mortuary. The arrangements that apply in mortuaries undertaking post-mortem examinations are already governed by an established legal and regulatory framework. The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) is responsible for licensing mortuaries in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland which undertake post-mortem examinations, and standards are set by the Human Tissue Act 2004 and the HTA's Codes of Practice.

HTA licensing standards require establishments to have documented policies on the viewing of bodies by family members and others, such as the police. However, HTA-licensed mortuaries in the post-mortem sector are not required to provide viewings for families. Establishments are also required to have controlled access to body storage areas, put in place measures to prevent unauthorised access, and to ensure appropriate oversight of visitors and contractors.

Most post-mortem examinations are conducted under the authority of a coroner, and decisions about access to bodies under the authority of HM Coroner, including by the police, are at the coroner’s discretion.