Covid-19: Bodies Stored At University Of Sussex As Hospital Mortuaries Fill Up

An email from the Vice Chancellor at the University of Sussex has confirmed that bodies are now being kept at facilities on campus.

Vice Chancellor Adam Tickell confirmed that a temporary deceased-storage facility constructed on campus was in use on January 7.

The university agreed to loan its facilities to Brighton and Hove City Council in April but they were not actually utilised during the first wave.

In an email to staff, the VC said:

"I am aware that this makes distressing reading and I’m sure we would all prefer not to need a facility such as this at all, let alone on our campus.

"However, we firmly believe it is our civic duty to provide this assistance and help to ensure dignity for the deceased. We are making sure that our students on campus are aware of this. 

"Whilst the facility is located near to the testing centre, our excellent Estates team have worked hard to make sure that the two are discreet from one another – and I really appreciate their fast work in making that happen and the support that has been provided by the Medical School."

Additional temporary mortuary capacity has been arranged at three Sussex sites by the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF).

Around 490 places have been made available at the Brighton Medical School in Falmer, Conquest Hospital, Hastings and Worthing Hospital.

A spokesperson from SRF told More Radio:

"We’ll ensure that anyone who loses their life during this pandemic is treated with dignity and respect. 

"The additional capacity is at the Conquest Hospital, Hastings, the Brighton Medical School at Falmer and Worthing Hospital. Together, these facilities increase possible mortuary capacity by 490 places. 

"The units are discreetly situated in a space on the grounds and shielded from public sight as much as possible to ensure privacy. They are staffed 24-hours a day to keep them safe and secure.

"The SRF has been coordinating the death management plans working with skilled and experienced coroners, mortuary teams, police, NHS partners, funeral directors and council staff across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton and Hove."   

A University of Sussex spokesperson said:

“Throughout the pandemic we have been supporting Covid-19 efforts in the local community and we remain committed to doing whatever we can to help the authorities during this very unusual time. 

“Last year, we were approached by the local public health authorities about using a small area of our campus at Falmer as temporary deceased storage, should it be needed. 

“Whilst it is extremely sad that the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that this facility is necessary, we are pleased that by loaning some of our space and staff on the campus to the local authorities we can help to manage issues for the wider community.  We hope that this is for as short a time as possible.”