Wrong body cremated after mix-up at hospital mortuary in Glasgow

Saturday, 27 December 2025 11:45

NHS bosses have apologised after the wrong body was cremated following a mix-up at a hospital mortuary in Glasgow.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has launched an investigation, saying staff involved have been suspended.

NHSGG - the largest health board in Scotland - blamed human error for the incident at the city's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Families have been informed, and the patients' remains are now with the funeral directors supporting them.

The incident is understood to have taken place last month.

Dr Scott Davidson, medical director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "I would like to offer my sincere apologies to both families affected.

"We have very rigorous processes for the identification and labelling of bodies from arrival in our mortuaries until their release into the care of an undertaker.

"It is of deep regret that these processes have not been adhered to on this occasion, and that as a result two families have been caused significant additional distress at an already very difficult time.

"We launched an immediate investigation into this incident and will ensure that learning is applied."

Sky News

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