Agencies across Nottinghamshire have been working together to put in place a range of measures as part of the county’s response to the coronavirus.
Sadly, one of the areas where contingency plans have had to be made to prepare for the tragic implications of the coronavirus pandemic is in the sensitive area of body storage facilities for the deceased.
As part of work carried out by the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Local Resilience Forum, the multi-agency partnership which co-ordinates emergency planning locally, additional capacity has already been made available at local hospitals.
This, in addition to the capacity provided by funeral directors, is expected to be sufficient based on current projections.
However, as is happening in other parts of the country, a temporary storage facility has been identified in another location should it be needed in a worst-case scenario.
With the support of Mansfield District Council, an industrial unit in the area is currently being prepared to provide additional capacity.
In a joint statement, the Directors of Public Health at the County and City Councils, Jonathan Gribbin and Alison Challenger, said:
“We truly hope the important steps currently being taken to limit the spread of the coronavirus will mean fewer people lose their lives but we have to make preparations for what the tragic implications of this dreadful disease could be in the very worst-case scenario.
“Every county has been asked to look at what additional body storage provision could be made in their area. Mansfield District Council has stepped forward to offer assistance locally to help deliver this vitally important role.”
“We understand that this is a very difficult issue for people to contemplate at this time but we want to keep them informed of the preparations that need to be made and to reassure local residents that the facility being provided will be discreet and professional in its approach.”
A statement from the Government Cabinet Office said: “We are working with local authorities to undertake contingency planning so we can ensure the public are kept safe, and any tragic loss of life is handled with the utmost respect and care.
“If people stay at home and strictly follow our advice, we will slow the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.”
