Investigation after body taken to wrong funeral home

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) said a deceased patient was sent to the wrong funeral directors

An investigation has been launched after a deceased patient was sent to the wrong funeral directors.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) said it released the body to the wrong site due to human error and failure to follow standard procedures.

Murrell Cork Funerals, which has homes in North Walsham and Stalham, said the deceased "spent time in our funeral home, where they were cared for" until the situation was resolved.

Dr Bernard Brett, the hospital's medical director, said: "We have offered our sincere condolences and unreserved apology after a deceased patient was mistakenly transferred from our mortuary to the incorrect funeral directors."

The hospital said the body was "returned to the trust" after the error was identified.

Dr Brett said: "An investigation is underway and ongoing - we have met with the family to apologise sincerely for this mistake, to discuss what happened and our actions following this isolated incident."

He said additional steps, including rigorous checks before transporting people, upgraded IT systems and improved ID checks from funeral directors, were being taken on by the hospital.

Sean Thompson, director of the funeral company, said: "I really feel for the staff at the NNUH mortuary, who work so hard to ensure that the deceased in the hospital receive the best care that they can.

"As soon as the mistake was noticed, the NNUH and our team took ownership of the error, and the situation was resolved," he said.

"The person spent time in our funeral home, where they were cared for with the same dignity and respect that is afforded to all our families."