MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
News Release (098-07) issued by The Government News Network on 16
July 2007
Bereaved families
will have the right to inspect the medical forms of a deceased
family member before cremation, under new proposals published
today. The proposals are designed to help stop a repeat of the
murders by Harold Shipman.
Allowing the bereaved to see the forms is an important reform.
Dame Janet Smith's Third Shipman Inquiry Report made it clear
that many of the forms completed by Shipman were wholly
inaccurate. Had family members been able to draw the medical
referee's attention to concerns about unexpected symptoms or
features of the case Shipman's activities might well have
been curtailed.
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said;
"The Shipman inquiry highlighted areas where the system of
reporting deaths could be improved.
"These changes will provide reassurance for bereaved family
members at a difficult time."
The existing Cremation Regulations dated back to 1930 and are
seen by many as old fashioned and confusing. "Cremation
Regulations - Consolidation and Modernisation" proposes to
consolidate and modernise these regulations
The consultation also proposes a new regulation dealing with the
handling of contagious disease cases. In the event of a pandemic,
the regulations would be amended to allow for a simpler procedure
for the cremation of bodies.
A number of more minor changes to the Regulations and forms are
also proposed and are dealt with within the consultation.
Notes to Editors
1. "Cremation Regulations - Consolidation and
Modernisation" is available on the Ministry of Justice
website http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/cp1107.htm
2. Detailed responses to the consultation document are welcomed
and should be submitted to Ministry of Justice by 22 October.
3. The Cremation Regulations 1930, which have effect in England
and Wales, have been amended several times since they were made
(1952, 1965, 1979, 1985, 2000 & 2006). Primary legislation in
the Cremation Act 1902 which also has effect in Scotland.
4. They impact in particular on the bereaved, those working for
cremation authorities, the medical profession, funeral directors,
coroners and registrars.
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