Temporary overflow morgue in Hampshire to close

A temporary mortuary set up in Hampshire is to be dismantled in the summer.

The temporary morgue in Basingstoke will cease to operate by the end of June this year, it has been confirmed.

The information was first revealed in official documents published by Hampshire County Council.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting held earlier this week the authority’s chief executive John Coughlan said: “We are now in the process of decommissioning the provision, probably some time in mid-summer. The provision is still being used but to a much lower extent now. It proved invaluable during the pick of the crisis but thankfully we are now in the plans to decommission that provision.”

It comes as the morgue became operational in January this year following an increase in Coronavirus cases across the county.

The facility has not been used to full capacity

According to a council report the facility has not been used to full capacity but it as provided “a vital additional level of capacity which has significantly eased the pressures on hospitals and the funeral sector”.

The report reads: “In February, the leasehold arrangements required an early decision on the longer term planning for the site. Subsequently a risk based decision has been taken not to extend the current lease which means that the facility will cease to operate by the end of June 2021. This will be within the one year limit that was informally agreed with the local community who have been informed of this decision.”

The news comes as the first temporary mortuary in Hampshire was set up at Southampton Airport in spring last year but it was dismantled in the summer as flights resumed.

The initial decision to set it up in Basingstoke proved controversial.

But county bosses said they worked “to allay concerns” and thanked the community for their support.

The decision to open the facility in Basingstoke followed a “significant pressure” within hospitals and the funeral sector.