HTA Sector Forum: Unannounced Inspections and Winter Pressures

On 9 October, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) held a forum for sector representatives, bringing together professionals from across the post-mortem sector. The meeting provided an opportunity for open discussion on key issues facing the industry, with a focus on unannounced inspections and preparations for winter pressures.

Unannounced Inspections

One topic discussed was unannounced inspections, explaining the rationale behind this new approach. The forum participants shared their thoughts and reflections, generally expressing support for this initiative as a means to drive up standards across the sector.

Attendees noted that unannounced inspections could encourage services to maintain correct policies, processes, and procedures consistently, rather than just before scheduled inspections. There was also recognition that this approach might help secure additional resources to ensure compliance within services.

However, the discussion highlighted the need to consider the financial constraints and challenges that services face in making improvements. Participants shared that there has been a history of financial constraint in the sector, which can slow the pace of change.

The forum also recognised that inspections are just one aspect of maintaining standards. Other factors, such as the introduction of Medical Examiners (MEs) and changing consumer attitudes, also play a significant role in shaping sector practices.

Winter Pressures

The discussion then turned to the potential impact of winter pressures on post-mortem services. An area of concern was the implementation of the new Medical Examiners (MEs) system this year and its potential effect on managing deaths in the community.

Attendees emphasised the importance of effective contingency planning, robust governance frameworks, and collaborative working relationships in managing demand and maintaining service quality during the challenging winter months ahead.

Next Steps

The forum concluded with attendees expressing appreciation for the opportunity to network, share experiences, and discuss best practices. Many voiced their intention to continue these valuable connections outside of the HTA forum.

The HTA remains committed to working collaboratively with sector representatives to maintain high standards and adapt to evolving challenges in the post-mortem sector. 

We would like to thank all attendees for their valuable contributions to the discussion and look forward to meeting with them again in around 6 months’ time.

Mark Wrigley, Head of Regulation Post Mortem Sector