Extra mortuary capacity opened for Salisbury District Hospital
The additional space is at the High Post salt store
Last updated 12th Jan 2023
Extra capacity for Salisbury District Hospital's mortuary has been opened, as the on-site morgue is currently full.
A temporary shipping container's been put into place at the Wiltshire Council owned salt store at High Post.
That provides space for an additional 35 bodies.
The NHS reported earlier this week that excess deaths had risen sharply in the last two weeks of December.
Fatalities were up by more than 20% on average, with flu, cold weather and difficulties with access to emergency care blamed.
In a statement, a Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:
“We can confirm that we have opened additional mortuary capacity to accommodate an increase in need across the local community. Our mortuary service operates to the national standards treating the deceased and loved ones with dignity and respect at all times regardless of location. All our additional capacity provides privacy and has 24/7 security.”
Wiltshire Council have also responded.
Leader Cllr Richard Clewer said:
“We are supporting our partners at Salisbury District Hospital during this period of extreme pressure for the NHS.
“The site at High Post is private and is an appropriate location to provide this facility, and it is guarded by security at all times.
“Our staff are specially trained to work in a professional and proper manner, and behave respectfully and sensitively at all times.”