Ballymurphy families informed of retention of human tissue samples relating to their loved ones
On the 24th June 2021 our office was notified that human tissue samples relating to four of those deceased at Ballymurphy had been retained at post mortem without the consent and knowledge of their next of kin. An organ relating to one the deceased was also retained and later disposed of, again without the knowledge and consent of the next of kin.
Under current legislation the Legacy Inquest Unit are required to inform the next of kin so that a decision can be made with regard to their retention or respectful disposal. It is unclear why there has been a delay in notifying the next of kin of this development.
Pádraig Ó Muirigh commenting on this matter said:
‘Our clients were not aware of the retention of human tissue samples, and in one case an organ, relating to their loved ones. This development has caused them considerable anger and distress. It has also raised many concerns and questions which remain unanswered.
We have requested a meeting with Court Service NI (CSNI) and the State Pathology Department to discuss the matter further. CSNI have confirmed that they will meet with our clients and we await a decision for the State Pathology Department.
We have also sent detailed correspondence to CSNI and the State Pathology Department setting out a number of issues the next of kin have sought clarification on.
It is imperative that the families are provided with a prompt and adequate explanation to the issues raised by us in the correspondence to CSNI and the State Pathology Department’.