Logan Reid
A morgue or mortuary is a place used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification, removal for autopsy, burial, cremation, or other methods of disposal. While the term morgue is predominantly used in North American English, mortuary is used in the UK. However, both terms are used interchangeably. Hospitals usually have mortuaries, which are used to store the dead before burial or cremation. They are also used for autopsies and embalming services. For example, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has two mortuaries, one at University College Hospital and one at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Morgue or Mortuary |
| Synonyms | Deadhouse, Rose Cottage, Rainbow's End |
| Location | In a hospital or elsewhere |
| Purpose | Storage of human corpses, identification, autopsy, burial, cremation, or other disposal methods |
| Temperature | Between 2 °C (36 °F) and 4 °C (39 °F) for short-term storage; between −10 °C (14 °F) and −50 °C (−58 °F) for long-term storage |
| Design Considerations | Storage chambers, autopsy room, facilities for handling bodies, administrative spaces, ventilation, drainage, segregation from patient areas |
| Health and Safety Risks | Biological hazards from human remains, including bacteria, infectious spores, and chemical residues |
| Euphemisms | Dead person referred to as "patient" |
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What You'll Learn
Mortuary design and planning
A morgue or mortuary in a hospital is used for the storage of human corpses, awaiting identification, autopsy, burial, cremation, or other disposal methods. The design and layout of a mortuary complex are important to ensure functionality and to provide crucial support services to healthcare delivery.
The size of the mortuary depends on the number of body storage spaces required and the death rate in the hospital. The mortuary should ideally be located on the ground floor or basement of the hospital for easy and discrete access for vehicles. The design should include a refrigerated body storage facility, with temperatures maintained between 2°C and 4°C, or even as low as −10°C to −50°C, to prevent decomposition. Additionally, there should be separate areas for body washing, viewing, and preparation. The autopsy unit should comprise an autopsy room, pre- and post-autopsy rooms, a change room, and an observation area.
The mortuary should be located away from the main clinical areas of the hospital, with careful consideration given to creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere. The use of monochrome colours can help to create a calming and consoling environment for mourners, while landscape interventions can address sustainability and provide a natural healing aspect to the space.
Furthermore, the mortuary design should include efficient waste management and disposal systems to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of diseases. The functionality of the mortuary is crucial, with the appropriate equipment and facilities being necessary to handle the usual number of fatalities, as well as any potential incidents causing a higher number of deaths.
Overall, the design and planning of a mortuary should focus on creating a functional, respectful, and safe space for the storage of human corpses, while also providing a supportive and healing environment for those who are bereaved.
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Mortuary services
A morgue or mortuary is a place used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification, autopsy, burial, cremation, or other methods of disposal. The term "morgue" is predominantly used in North American English, while "mortuary" is used in the UK, although both terms are often used interchangeably.
Mortuaries are typically located within hospitals, and their primary function is to preserve bodies for forensic investigation and identification. Key areas of a mortuary include storage chambers, an autopsy room, facilities for handling bodies, and administrative spaces. Design considerations for a mortuary include ventilation, drainage, and segregation from patient areas.
In the event of an incident causing a large number of deaths, local jurisdictions may be overwhelmed, and temporary morgues may be set up to handle the increased demand. This could include requisitioning equipment and facilities not normally used for storing corpses, such as any refrigerated space spacious enough to fit a person.
Some specific examples of mortuary services include the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which has two mortuaries: one at University College Hospital (UCH) and one at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). These mortuaries provide services such as patient viewings and collections by funeral directors, following the necessary paperwork and procedures.
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Mortuary staff
A mortuary, also known as a morgue, is a place used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification, removal for autopsy, burial, cremation, or other methods of disposal. In hospitals, the mortuary is a department that deals with people who die in the hospital and provides support to their friends and family.
Mortuary technicians may also be involved in police investigations, particularly in cases where the deceased was the victim of a crime. They may assist pathologists by moving the body to the examination table, laying out surgical instruments, documenting findings, weighing organs, and taking tissue samples.
In the UK, a Level 3 diploma from the Royal Society of Public Health is required to work as a mortuary technician. These roles are highly specialized, and permanent positions are limited. Mortuary technicians typically work 37-40 hours per week, but Locum technicians can choose their shifts. The starting salary for mortuary jobs is £15,000 per annum, with progression opportunities through approved training programs.
In addition to mortuary technicians, there are also Mortician Helpers or Mortuary Assistants, who provide essential support to morticians, funeral directors, and grieving families. They assist in the preparation of bodies for viewings, ensuring they are presented in a dignified and respectful manner, and handle logistics such as transport and the setup of funeral venues. They may also perform administrative duties such as completing paperwork and coordinating with external service providers. Empathy, sensitivity, and discretion are crucial qualities for this role, along with attention to detail and respect for cultural and religious funeral practices.
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History of mortuaries
The term "mortuary" dates back to the early 14th century, derived from the Anglo-French word "mortuarie," which referred to a gift given to a parish priest by a deceased parishioner. The term's meaning evolved over time, and by the 19th century, it was used to describe a place where the deceased were kept temporarily.
In ancient times, the handling of the dead was deeply intertwined with cultural and religious practices. For example, in ancient Egypt, mortuary chapels served as a connection between the living and the dead, and substitute bodies were crafted for tombs. Following World War I, however, societal attitudes towards death shifted in Western cultures, and death became increasingly taboo. Death was gradually moved out of the family home and into specialised facilities, including funeral homes and hospital mortuaries.
The primary purpose of a mortuary or morgue is to provide a place for the temporary storage of human corpses, awaiting identification, autopsy, burial, or other methods of disposal. In modern times, corpses are typically refrigerated to delay decomposition, a practice made possible by advancements in technology. This refrigeration is essential, especially in jurisdictions where burial or cremation must take place within 72 hours of death. In other cultures and historical contexts, it was common for burial to occur several weeks or even months after death, allowing for the decomposition process to begin before final disposition.
The distinction between a mortuary and a morgue is often blurred, with the terms used interchangeably. However, in some contexts, a mortuary may refer to a funeral home that provides additional services beyond simply identifying and embalming the deceased. These services can include preparing the body, holding burial services, and providing emotional support for the bereaved family. A morgue, on the other hand, is typically a department within a hospital or coroner's office that focuses on the identification and storage of the deceased, often in anticipation of an autopsy or further investigation.
In the past, before modern methods of verifying death were available, waiting mortuaries existed to alleviate fears of being buried alive. These spaces, most prevalent in 19th-century Germany, allowed attendants to observe the recently deceased for signs of life before final disposition. While there is no documented case of a person being saved from accidental burial in this manner, it is believed to have influenced the phrase "saved by the bell."
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Mortuary health and safety
A morgue or mortuary is a place used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification, removal for autopsy, burial, cremation, or other methods of disposal. Most hospitals have mortuaries, and they are essential for the safe and respectful handling of the deceased.
Health and Safety Risks
Working in a mortuary presents unique health and safety challenges due to the nature of the environment and the potential hazards associated with handling human remains. Some of the risks include:
- Biological hazards: Human remains can host various pathogens, bacteria, infectious spores, and chemical residues. These can be transmitted through air, direct contact, or mucous membranes.
- Physical hazards: Handling heavy bodies and using dangerous equipment can pose risks of injury or accident.
- Mental health risks: Working with human remains can take a toll on mental health and well-being, causing anxiety and stress.
Recommended Precautions
To ensure the safety of mortuary workers, several precautions and guidelines must be followed:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All mortuary staff should wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, eye protection, and other necessary clothing to protect against biological and chemical hazards.
- Proper storage and preparation: The mortuary should have designated clean and dirty areas, with clear demarcations. Bodies should be stored in air-conditioned facilities or refrigerated to delay decomposition and prevent the spread of infections.
- Hygiene practices: Strict hygiene protocols, including handwashing and disinfection procedures, are crucial to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- Illness prevention: Vaccinations and regular health checks can help reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases.
- Safe equipment handling: All equipment, including tools used for autopsies and body preparation, should be handled and stored properly to minimize risks of injury.
- Training and education: Adequate training on health and safety procedures, universal standard precautions, and proper handling of human remains is essential for all mortuary attendants.
By implementing these health and safety measures, mortuaries can provide a low-risk environment for workers while ensuring the respectful and safe handling of the deceased. It is important to regularly review and update procedures to maintain the highest standards of safety in this critical area of healthcare.
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Frequently asked questions
A mortuary, or morgue, is a place used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification, removal for autopsy, burial, cremation or other methods of disposal.
Yes, there are mortuaries in hospitals. For example, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has two mortuaries, one at University College Hospital (UCH) and one at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN).
In North American English, the term "morgue" is predominantly used, while "mortuary" is used in the UK. However, both terms are used interchangeably. A mortuary is usually privately owned and provides additional services such as embalming, funeral services, on-site burial, and cremation.
The purpose of a mortuary in a hospital is to preserve the dead body until the formalities of the handing over of the deceased are completed. It also serves to keep unclaimed bodies for 72 hours and to receive and store bodies requiring a post-mortem examination.
When an adult patient dies, a cause of death must be confirmed by a medical team member and agreed upon with the Medical Examiner. A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is then sent to the corresponding Registry Office. The next of kin will need to contact this office to obtain a Death Certificate, which is then given to a funeral director to allow a funeral to take place.
