A grieving family’s campaign for mortuary improvements in Moray has paid off with NHS Grampian identifying four possible sites for a new facility.
The loved ones of Frank Whyte were “horrified” by the condition of the mortuary at Spynie Hospital when they attended there following his death.
Mr Whyte died suddenly in a sailing accident at Findhorn Bay, and his family said their ordeal was made more painful by the grim surroundings where they had to identify his body.
Distraught family had to enter derelict mortuary through garage door to identify loved one
Since the death of the Forres 69-year-old, his relatives have been fighting for better mortuary provision across Scotland.
The facility at Spynie Hospital has since been closed, and NHS Grampian has now earmarked four locations within Elgin’s Dr Gray’s Hospital for a potential replacement.
The upgraded venue could be built on the site of the existing mortuary there, at the Dunbarney car park, the physiotherapy unit or at the hospital’s medical records department.
Mr Whyte’s widow, Maryan(CORR) yesterday urged people to respond to an online consultation concerning the eventual siting of the centre.
She suggested that the medical records department would be the “most dignified” location as it is within the hospital building.
“As a family we strongly feel that the mortuary should be within the building of the hospital itself”, Mrs Whyte said.
“We believe that this gives the most respect, dignity and compassion throughout.
“But what we need now is for the people of Moray to speak up and give their opinions on where they think the best site should be.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead added: “I have worked closely with the family and know that their experience of the old facility, and the distress this caused for them and other bereaved families, led to a very powerful case for change.”
More information is available at www.mortuaryformoray.com
