Health Board plan met with criticism

A HEALTH board has been criticised for centralising post mortem facilities and adding to the trauma of families by forcing some to travel up to 140 miles of a round trip to identify bodies. They also fear the move will delay funerals for already distressed relatives.

Proposers of the plan have argued that the move will streamline the service and speed up lengthy delays already being experienced by families and funeral directors right across the south east.

The South Eastern Health Board has voted by 23 votes to 5 to close its morgues in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Clonmel and centralise services for the south east in Waterford.