New emergency mortuary is being created in Leicestershire over the Easter break

A new emergency mortuary is being created in Leicester over the Easter break to deal with extra deaths sparked by the coronavirus.

The extra facility is being quickly set up at a vacant building at Leicester General Hospital on Gwendolen Road.

Part of the building will open over this weekend – with the completed mortuary “available in the coming weeks”.

It’s being rushed into use as organisations across Leicestershire work together to prepare for the “continuing impact of coronavirus on mortuaries, crematoria, burial sites and funeral directors”.

Public sector organisations – including local authorities and the NHS – have been working with colleagues from public, voluntary, faith communities and private sectors to plan for the increased need for support when someone dies.

This includes ongoing conversations with local funeral directors.

Groups involved are focusing on measures to make sure they are ready for increased demand – such as working with crematoria and burial sites to look at extended opening hours.

Speaking on behalf of the Local Resilience Forum, Tom Purnell, Leicestershire County Council’s assistant chief executive, said: “We have plans in place to make sure that we can cope.

“We have been working together across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to prepare – starting with the opening of some of the additional mortuary space at the General Hospital this weekend.

“The additional capacity will allow us to cope with increased demand so that our NHS colleagues can provide their usual dignified and respectful care for patients.”

He added: “We’re also working closely with faith communities.

“We want to make sure we reassure people that their wishes will be respected as far as possible.

“People may be aware of how funerals have changed already.

“Since 23 March, for example, attendance at funerals has been restricted to family only, to help with social distancing.

“In addition, deaths are now registered by telephone.

“Across the local area, staff in our registration services, crematoria, burial, coronial and funeral services are working tirelessly to support families.

“And people’s patience at this time is very much appreciated.”

Top bereavement support charities, such as Cruse, have added information to their website specifically around dealing with grief as the Covid-10 crisis grips the country.

Set up in 1959, Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity supporting bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you would like more information about Cruse then visit their website here: https://www.cruse.org.uk/