CORONAVIRUS: Capacity at morgues at NI hospitals to be extended as Trust plans for ‘worst case scenario’

The Trust issued the plea as it was revealed mortuary capacity at Craigavon and Daisy Hill hospitals is to be substantially extended as the COVID-19 virus pandemic escalates.

It’s understood a number of containers will be arriving at Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill Hospital soon.

It is not known how many will be arriving but it is understood they are refrigerated containers.

A Trust spokesperson said: “As part of Trust Coronavirus surge planning, we are extending our mortuary capacity on both of our acute hospitals sites in Craigavon and Newry.

“All Trusts have an ongoing duty to plan for worst case scenarios – to plan for the worst while working for the best.

“That includes surge planning for Covid-19.

“Everyone has a vital role to play in limiting the impact of Covid 19 on our society.

“That means washing our hands repeatedly and keeping our distance from each other.

“If people follow this public health advice for as long as it takes, then we can help ensure that scenarios being planned for do not become a reality.”