Ministry of Justice
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New cremation regulations to prevent another Shipman
Bereaved families will have the right to inspect the medical forms of a deceased family member before cremation, under new proposals published today. The proposals are designed to help stop a repeat of the murders by Harold Shipman.
Allowing the bereaved to see the forms is an important reform. Dame Janet Smith's Third Shipman Inquiry Report made it clear that many of the forms completed by Shipman were wholly inaccurate. Had family members been able to draw the medical referee's attention to concerns about unexpected symptoms or features of the case Shipman's activities might well have been curtailed.
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said;
"The Shipman inquiry highlighted areas where the system of reporting deaths could be improved.
"These changes will provide reassurance for bereaved family members at a difficult time."
The existing Cremation Regulations dated back to 1930 and are seen by many as old fashioned and confusing. "Cremation Regulations - Consolidation and Modernisation" proposes to consolidate and modernise these regulations
The consultation also proposes a new regulation dealing with the handling of contagious disease cases. In the event of a pandemic, the regulations would be amended to allow for a simpler procedure for the cremation of bodies.
A number of more minor changes to the Regulations and forms are also proposed and are dealt with within the consultation.
Notes to Editors
1. "Cremation Regulations - Consolidation and Modernisation" is available on the Ministry of Justice website http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/cp1107.htm
2. Detailed responses to the consultation document are welcomed and should be submitted to Ministry of Justice by 22 October.
3. The Cremation Regulations 1930, which have effect in England and Wales, have been amended several times since they were made (1952, 1965, 1979, 1985, 2000 & 2006). Primary legislation in the Cremation Act 1902 which also has effect in Scotland.
4. They impact in particular on the bereaved, those working for cremation authorities, the medical profession, funeral directors, coroners and registrars.
