A temporary mortuary has been constructed at Breakspear Crematorium in Ruislip to help with London’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The site is located at the rear of the crematorium and will be operational from this week if it is needed. Videos showing the mortuary under construction have been circulated on social media and shared over 2,000 times. Members of Harrow Online have also messaged us asking what is happening, one person said: “Has anyone got any info on the make shift mortuary in Ruislip?”.
Hillingdon Council said: “Breakspear Crematorium and other sites have been identified as part of London’s strategic resilience response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The locations serve each coronial area from a central geographical point to ensure an efficient, dignified and respectful death management process.
“The sites have been chosen following ongoing dialogue between London’s Strategic Coordination Group (SCG), local authorities and representatives of faith communities in London. Together we want to ensure each person receives respectful and dignified care on their final journey.
“The site will be operational from this week, should it be needed.”
The temporary structure has been built by Losberger De Boer, a note on their website says: “As a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, hospitals struggle to keep pace with the rapid spread of the virus”.
“Losberger De Boer offers hospitals a way to quickly expand their capacity. Within a few hours of the initial contact, we can start building your temporary medical facilities, such as a temporary triage centre, quarantine tents, hospital wards or temporary morgues.”
The latest Public Health England (PHE) figures as of yesterday (Monday 30 March) have confirmed that there has been 1,408 deaths in the UK so far and according to NHS England data 468 of these patients died in hospitals run by London trusts.
The number of people in London testing positive for covid-19 rose from 5,957 to 6,521 in 24 hours.
