Dead bodies left on Birmingham Hospital wards, claims whistleblower

Apr 12 2009 by Alison Dayani, Sunday Mercury

But Mr Whitsey said: ‘‘When Mrs Parker’s body was dropped by two porters it was because of lack of training, yet they got the blame.

‘‘But it wasn’t really their fault if they weren’t taught about handling bodies sufficiently.”

Responding to the allegations about dead bodies being left on wards, Unison Midland spokesman Ray Salmon said he had heard similar claims from other Heartlands workers.

“Initial porters and domestics have reported similar failings and Unison has heard anecdotal evidence of these matters, particularly over a shortage of staff,” he said.

“The Agenda for Change wage contract led to staff working less hours, from 40 plus down to 37.5, and this has created gaps in the system that need to be filled.

‘‘The sickness level has been particularly highm too, exacerbating the problem.

“The problem for Unison is that workers raise these issues on a regular basis but we never get anyone brave enough to be named and speak out about it, or give us evidence.”

That claim was underlined by another porter who agreed to talk to the Sunday Mercury but refused to be named for fear of being sacked.

They said: “What David is saying is absolutely true. Bodies have been left in beds because no-one is free to go to the mortuary.

‘‘There are not enough staff and a lot of sickness.’’

Heartlands Hospital, run by Heart of England Foundation Trust, has had a controversial relationship with contractor Initial.

It is the only trust in Birmingham which still contracts out cleaning and portering services to a private company.

But the deal has led to staff threatening a walkout on several occasions over Initial’s pay and working conditions compared to colleagues hired in-house by other Midland hospitals.

Although the contract was due to finish last year, Heart of England chiefs surprised workers by renewing it until 2010.

Lisa Dunn, a Heartlands Hospital director, denied all Mr Whitsey’s claims – but admitted there were occasions when dead bodies could be kept on wards.

Seriously

She said: “We take the death of any patient very seriously and medical teams would not allow a dead patient to be left for hours. There are sometimes reasons to keep a deceased patient on a ward to ensure relatives can pay their respects.

“Deceased infants are placed in a metal box known as a ‘crib’, but this is rigorously checked and cleaned on every occasion that it is used.’’

She also denied families were being denied the chace to see their loves one in the hospital mortuary and insisted that staff received full training.

“Arrangements are made by the ward to ensure relatives can view bodies, the ward then liaises with the porters to arrange this. This has never been drawn to our attention as an issue.’’ she said.

“Porters receive a 12-week induction which includes modules on manual handling and lifting, as well as infection control measures. Staffing levels are not an issue.”

Judith Wilson, spokeswoman for Healthcare Initial, said the company had previously launched an investigation into the claims but found nothing wrong.

“Healthcare Initial works closely with the Trust to ensure that the highest standards are delivered,’’ she said.

“Mr Whitsey was dismissed from his job for reasons of gross misconduct. He appealed but the decision was upheld.

‘‘‘During this process his claims were fully investigated by ourselves and the Trust and were found to be entirely without substance.”