Temporary mortuary confirmed

A temporary mortuary is to be set up in mid-Powys to deal with any spike in deaths in the county as part of the COVID-19 outbreak.

MyNewtown reported last week how it was believed such a facility was being planned in the Llanelwedd area, possibly at the Royal Welsh Showground

Powys County Council and the Powys Teaching Health Board has confirmed today that it is setting up a temporary mortuary at the Wayside Enterprise Park.

A statement said: "In Powys we are supporting this work with the development of a temporary facility on the Wyeside Industrial Estate in Llanelwedd,  and this work is driven by a determination to respect human dignity during these challenging times.

"The temporary facilities will mean that the county can be confident that it has the capacity to provide dignity in death for the people of Powys.
 
Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “Every effort is being made through social distancing to reduce the number of people affected by coronavirus. But unfortunately, there are still many people contracting and becoming ill with coronavirus.

"This is resulting in an increase in the number of deaths within Wales and across the UK. Here in Powys we need to prepare for this, and therefore we do need to increase the mortuary capacity in the county. This is particularly important as burials and cremations are also likely to be affected during this time.
 
“I can reassure the people living and working in Powys that any facility of this nature must meet very stringent standards in relation to the care of the deceased. Updated national guidance has been published, and we will ensure that this is being followed here in Powys. This will ensure the highest standards of dignity and safety for everyone.

“Together our aim is that we never need to use this additional capacity, and absolutely central to achieving this is for all of us to adopt social distancing to reduce the spread of infection.

Powys County Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris said; “We recognise the skills, knowledge and experience that Funeral Directors in Powys have and we are working closely with them to manage the expected increased number of deaths.

"Critical to making this happen will be how we transport the deceased to this site.  Local funeral directors are all highly experienced, thoughtful caring people who are acknowledged for bringing dignity to the dead and comfort to the bereaved and we are working with them to ensure the facility operates well.
 
“The potential risk of transmission related to the handling of bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 is low. Public Health England, who are responsible for national coordination, has recently published updated guidance to advise families and mourners, and to guide those who work with the deceased. We will be ensuring that this guidance is followed here in Powys.”