An article explores the hidden mortuary department at Queen's Medical Centre, highlighting the staff's efforts to challenge stereotypes and provide dignified care for deceased patients.
The mortuary is hidden underneath the Queen's Medical Centre . Not a single sign points patients towards the department, but its mystery is intentional. 'We are the swan’s legs,' says deputy manager Karen Evans. 'We’re hidden away, an unknown entity. People don’t like to talk about us.' The reluctance is understandable. People would do everything to avoid a visit to the department until it is absolutely unavoidable. But Ms Evans said the mortuary had been bogged down in stereotypes for years.
“When I first started it was what you saw in Hammer horrors,' said the 47-year-old. 'It was hunchbacks and people imagined we were grave robbers, they didn’t understand we are skilled workers and didn’t understand the techniques we do. They think we’re here to move patients around.' Ms Evans, who admitted TV programmes had helped improve impressions in recent years, said the reality could not be further from the truth. This is summed up by the staff's insistence on referring to everybody being kept in the mortuary as 'patients'. “We call them patients, we’re caring for them. If people say it is a body we will pick them up on it. It’s the last bit of respect and dignity. “When you care for them they’re patients, we wouldn’t think of them any other way.' The department holds 380 patients across the QMC and City Hospital, and looks after around 7,000 a year. This consists of people who die while in hospital and anybody who dies unexpectedly or unnaturally and needs to be examined by the coroner. Post-mortems are carried out on-site, while family and friend visits are regularly accommodated. “We try to make it as comfortable as we can without making it overbearing. A lot thought goes into these things,' said Ms Evans. “Over the winter it gets busier. We’re affected by the winter pressures. We get more deaths which has an effect on us. Over the years we’ve had an increase in storage capacity. We get quite full at time
Mortuary Medical Centre Healthcare Workers Dignity In Death Public Perception
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
England’s most senior nurse backs staff at Royal Preston Hospital staff after visitDuncan Burton, NHS England chief nursing officer (third from right) at Royal Preston for 'big conversation' visit, talking to staff from critical care, stroke
Read more »
Researchers explore patient's perceptions of AI in radiologyAI-powered MRIs could cut the potentially toxic dyes used in traditional MRIs by up to 80 percent, but will patients embrace AI-driven brain scans?
Read more »
Mortuary 'unfit for future use' to be replaced by retail spacesA new mortuary has been approved for Oldham Central Mosque
Read more »
Mortuary Technician Reveals Secrets of Her Candid ProfessionMortuary technician Hayleigh, known as the Mort Tech on TikTok, has captured public interest by discussing her profession's realities on the Tea at Four podcast. Her candid insights into post-mortem activities and the challenges she faces have left many feeling uneasy.
Read more »
Aberdeen stars set 20 goal challenge by Jimmy ThelinJimmy Thelin would love it if someone stepped up to the plate and hit 20 goals, but as long as the team keep scoring them then he's a happy man
Read more »
Rugby player Kevin Sinfield brings Rob Burrow challenge to LiverpoolKevin's former teammate, Rob, died this past summer
Read more »