Update from Dame Elish Angiolini – 6 May 2015

"The investigation is progressing well with significant evidence being gathered from all 14 crematoria across Scotland. A small number of new cases are being registered with us weekly. To date we have held meetings with affected parents from Mortonhall, Seafield and Warriston crematoria and we anticipate beginning our meetings with parents in the Aberdeen area in June. The team will be in contact directly with parents once dates and venues are confirmed. I understand this is a difficult time for parents waiting for answers.  We will continue meetings over the summer holiday period as we gather more information from each crematorium. We will meet every parent who wants to meet us so even if you are away on holiday we will offer you another date to suit you. You can of course send us information anytime by email or by letter. "

Update on the Scottish Commission on Infant Cremations and on the Edinburgh Council Mortonhall Enquiry - 5 February 2015

There have already been changes made in Edinburgh and across Scotland following on from both Dame Elish and Lord Bonomy’s investigations and report findings.

The National Committee on Infant Cremation was set up by the Scottish Government to deliver the 64 recommendations from the Infant Cremation Commission. Sands is part of three sub groups, Policy and Procedures, Code of Practice and Training and Communications. It will also address the specific points from the Mortonhall Investigation accepted by the Government).

Some codes of practice for cremation have been developed, including guidance of the definition of ‘ashes’, to ensure that good practice is followed consistently and families receive the same information.

Draft designs for permanent Mortonhall memorials have been revealed by Edinburgh City Council. Two memorials are being proposed after consultation with parents. One will be within the grounds of Mortonhall Crematorium and the other will be at a location still to be identified in the city.

Once a sub group for memorials has been established by the National Committee on Infant Cremation the Scottish Government will support the development and maintenance of any national memorial.

Robert Swanson QPM has been appointed as HM Inspector of Crematoria for Scotland to provide quality assurance, to promote best practice, and to ensure crematoria are operating in line with legislative requirements and guidance. The Inspector will report to Ministers any particular concerns in relation to crematoria practice.

Further changes to legislations are necessary in order to progress with some of the reports’ recommendations. They will be included in the Burials and Cremation Bill.

The National Committee will report to Scottish Ministers annually on progress against the recommendations made by the Commission and the cremation and funeral industries will be kept under review.

We would still like  to see a UK-wide review of current crematoria practices which should help to ensure that in future, no parent will denied ashes if it is at all possible to produce some.

For further information and our response to the reports when they were published in June 2014 please see: https://uk-sands.org/news/news-release/2014-06-17/sands-responds-scottish-commission-infant-cremations-and-edinburgh

Information for parents whose baby was cremated and who were not offered ashes: https://uk-sands.org/news/news-release/2014-04-30/important-information-parents-mortonhall-investigation-report-published

For further information on the National Committee please see: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/Policy/BurialsCremation/NCIC

Update from the National Cremation Investigation team - March 2015

The investigation is currently considering cases from 14 crematoria across Scotland. To date we have interviewed 70 witnesses and have meetings scheduled with others through to the end of April. All authorities and crematorium staff are co-operating with the investigation. We have been in contact with Health Boards to request that parents registered with the investigation are not charged for accessing copies of their medical records and to date they have all agreed to that. In a number of specific cases where parents were unaware of where their baby went for the final act of care we have been able to find this out and let parents know.

We will continue to interview staff, former staff and managers over the coming months and begin to see parents in areas where the staff interviews have been completed. We appreciate how difficult this time is for everyone. We will be issuing an information leaflet to all parents in March which will give more information about what to expect when the time comes to give us your statements. We will also give you options on how to receive further updates. In the meantime please contact the team if you have any questions or concerns.

Update from Dame Elish Angiolini – 8 January 2015

"In 2015, we continue with our scheduled programme of interviews with staff and former employees at crematoria across Scotland. A small number of new cases have been registered and there are now 13 crematoria involved in the investigation. We expect the investigation into the additional cases at Mortonhall to be complete by the end of January 2015 given that we had already interviewed staff there during the Mortonhall Investigation.

We understand that, for some parents, this important stage of collecting evidence and interviewing staff may cause anxiety as it delays their own participation in the process. As I indicated previously, it is important that I gather as many facts and records as possible before I meet parents in order that I am able to respond to their concerns. Evidence gathered during the interviews with parents is vital to my investigation and I will re-interview staff and former staff concerning specific information provided to me during those interviews as required.

"All parents will shortly receive an information leaflet explaining what to expect during the interview. Prior to the interviews, parents will be provided with copies of all records held at that stage by the investigation team.

"It is likely that interviews with parents to discuss their individual cases will commence in March. We have already met with Sands and with Forget Me Not Counselling to discuss the valued support they are providing to parents during the investigation. Our contact with SANDS Lothians and Mortonhall Ashes Action Committee continues. We have recently been informed that a new support group has been established, Baby Ashes Scotland, and I look forward to meeting their representatives to discuss how they can work with us to communicate with parents. I am also sharing updates with Lindsay Bruce of Thompson’s Solicitors and of course posting them on our webpage.

"If any parent has questions or concerns please contact my team on 0300 244 2867 or nci@scotland.gsi.gov.uk"

Update: June/ July 2014

Following the ashes scandal at Mortonhall crematorium in Edinburgh  and the publication of two Scottish reports, The Mortonhall Enquiry and the Infant cremation Commission Scotland, Sands is writing to:

• all  CEOs of Trusts and Health Boards all Heads of Midwifery and Hospital Chaplains asking them to review their contracts with crematoria and funeral directors (click here to read the letter) 
• all cremation authorities and the relevant professional organisations urging those that don’t offer ashes to parents to review their practice (click here to read the letter) 

To read our press release on cremation and ashes please click here.