Worcestershire Royal Hospital, under the management of NHS Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, has come under fire for continuing to store deceased patients in refrigerated units situated in the hospital’s car park. These external fridge “pods” were initially installed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to address urgent mortuary capacity shortages.
Although intended as a temporary solution, the pods have remained in place and operational for an extended period, causing concern among local residents and visitors. Critics argue that storing bodies in plain view undermines the dignity of the deceased and is distressing for those visiting the hospital.
The NHS Trust has defended the practice, citing ongoing capacity issues and the necessity of using the fridge pods to ensure proper handling and storage of bodies. They have emphasized that the units meet all health and safety regulations.
READ MORE: Keep These 6 Plants Around Your Home to Repel Spiders This Mating Season
READ MORE: Cotswold Man Nearly Killed in Horrific Italian Crash After Lorry Strikes His Neck
However, the controversy highlights broader challenges faced by healthcare facilities nationwide in managing space constraints and resource allocation during and after the pandemic.