Hampshire County Council has announced that as a result of continued and sustained pressure on hospitals and funeral directors services it is essential that the temporary Winklebury mortuary will open from Thursday this week. The facility will support four major NHS Hospitals across the wider Hampshire area.
Local MP Maria Miller said, “Despite the current emergency it is important we can properly care for those who have passed away; and that we can reassure families that their loved ones are being treated with dignity and respect. This additional temporary mortuary allows that to happen. When Hampshire County Council announced the site of the new temporary mortuary last year I worked with local residents including the Winklebury Community Action Group to set up good communications for the eventuality of the site being needed. Thanks go to Mark Peters chair of WCAG for his help with this. Hampshire County Council has a legal duty to ensure a temporary facility is in place and whilst the site wasn’t of our choosing, it is important now that the facility operates smoothly, to do our bit to support families who are grieving the loss of a loved one at such a difficult time.”
Next of kin will be aware that their loved one is being accommodated at the facility and support is available to them through a dedicated Bereavement Service team. If anyone has a question they need answering about the operation of the facilities call Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councils helpline on 01256 844844.