New protocols for unclaimed bodies at QEH

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has introduced new protocols in a bid to slash significant costs of storing unclaimed bodies.

Health Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, made the revelation in response to a question from St. Thomas MP, Cynthia Forde.

Dr. Walcott says at last count, there were about 42 unclaimed bodies costing the Hospital up to $40,000 a month in storage.

Previously, the Welfare Department would be contacted to conduct burials if a next of kin cannot be contacted.

Failing that, the Hospital would bear the costs.

Under the new arrangement, Dr. Walcott says the Welfare Department will retain responsibility for collecting unclaimed bodies which remain in the Hospital morgue seven working days after death.

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