Measures to tackle shortage of storage spaces in public mortuaries
5 July 2005
The Department of Health (DH) is concerned about the shortage of storage spaces for dead bodies in public mortuaries and has already taken measures to tackle the problem.
A DH spokesman said today (July 5) that the three public mortuaries, namely the Victoria Public Mortuary, Kowloon Public Mortuary and Fu Shan Public Mortuary, provide refrigerating facilities for the free storage of dead bodies.
"We appreciate the feeling of the family members of the deceased and we strived to ensure that all dead bodies in the public mortuaries are handled properly and with due respect," the spokesman said.
The storage capacities of the three mortuaries are 60, 72 and 168 respectively and the number of bodies stored daily in May and June this year ranged from 44 to 78, 108-148 and 118-143 respectively.
The problem of inadequate storage for dead bodies arises when the bodies are left in the mortuaries for a relatively long period because of various reasons including the request for funeral services at specific days and time, the spokesman said.
"Following the opening of a new public mortuary, with 220 storage spaces in Kwai Chung in the fourth quarter of this year, it is expected that the problem of overcrowding of dead bodies in public mortuaries could be addressed," the spokesman said.
Noting that there are seven funeral parlours providing 307 storage spaces in Hong Kong, the spokesman appealed to the public to consider using the storage service provided in the private sector.
In the meantime, a number of measures will also be implemented, the spokesman noted.
"Staff of the mortuaries are reminded to strictly observe the operation procedures and the proper way of handling of dead bodies, including the placing of dead bodies in the storage racks.
"Additional racks will be placed in the mortuaries when the situation warrants.
"Whenever possible and with the consents of the family members of the deceased, dead bodies in mortuaries with inadequate storage spaces will be transferred to other mortuaries where storage places are available.
"Following the opening of the new Kwai Chung Public Mortuary, dead bodies in Victoria Public Mortuary will be transferred to other public mortuaries for storage in case of overcrowding," the spokesman said.
Sufficient cremation services have been provided to the public by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Night time services can also be arranged where necessary.
In accordance with the FEHD's performance pledge, an applicant can book a cremation session within 15 days following submission of the application. However, special requests for service at specific hours and on particular days may not always be feasible.
DH has planned to relocate the Victoria Public Mortuary and it will continue to liaise with relevant Government departments in identifying suitable site on Hong Kong Island.
End/Tuesday, July 5, 2005
