Eight bodies have been found in a state of 'advanced deterioration' at the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham, part of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, following an inspection by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA). The regulator discovered that the mortuary had run out of freezer space, leading to the improper storage of remains.
The HTA inspection, conducted in early 2025, revealed that the trust had failed to maintain adequate facilities for body storage, resulting in the decomposition of eight bodies. The trust has since apologized and implemented corrective measures, including increasing freezer capacity and reviewing procedures.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has been under scrutiny for several years, with previous reports highlighting issues in patient care and management. The HTA has issued a warning notice, requiring the trust to address the deficiencies urgently.
Local MPs and patient groups have expressed outrage, calling for a full investigation into the trust's practices. The trust's chief executive stated that they are 'deeply sorry' and are working to ensure such incidents do not recur.
