The City of Wolverhampton Council has announced the transfer of its mortuary services from Wednesfield to Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, a move that will save the council at least £1.5 million in refurbishment costs.
As the last council-owned mortuary in the Black Country, the Wednesfield facility requires significant modernization to meet current standards. With neighboring councils such as Dudley, Sandwell, and Walsall already utilizing NHS mortuary services, Wolverhampton’s decision aligns with regional practices.
The proposal received approval from the Labour-led council cabinet on April 22. Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services, emphasized that transferring the service would ensure the council fulfills its legal obligations while avoiding the costly upgrade of the existing site.
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Deputy leader Cllr Steve Evans highlighted the importance of providing dignified end-of-life services, stating, “It wouldn’t be right to continue with a facility that is not up to standard. Modern facilities and digital technology are essential to deliver high-quality, respectful services.”
Health and community cabinet member, Cllr Obaida Ahmed, added that partnering with the NHS would guarantee services are delivered in a safe, regulated, and reliable manner.
If retained by the council, the Wednesfield mortuary would require a complete overhaul, including a new roof, refrigeration equipment, and other updates necessary for mortuary and pathology operations. The outsourced contract will cost £119,000 annually, while the sale of the current mortuary site is expected to save approximately £70,000 per year in operational expenses.
Mortuary and pathology services across the Black Country are commissioned individually by local councils to manage the storage of deceased individuals within their areas. When deaths occur under sudden, unexplained, or specific circumstances such as custody or unknown identity, cases are referred to the coroner by police, medical professionals, or hospitals.
This transition marks a significant step for Wolverhampton, ensuring compliance with legal duties while providing modern, dignified mortuary services in partnership with the NHS.