Part 6Mortuaries etc.

Provision of mortuaries

I287Provision of mortuaries by local authorities

1

Each local authority must provide or ensure the provision for its area of such—

a

premises and facilities for the reception and temporary storage of the bodies of persons who die in the authority's area; and

b

premises and facilities for the post-mortem examination of such bodies,

as it considers appropriate.

2

Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the bodies of persons mentioned in section 88(2).

3

An authority may enter into an agreement with any person for the provision by that person of the premises and facilities referred to in subsection (1).

4

Premises and facilities provided under subsection (1) need not be in the area of the local authority providing them or ensuring their provision.

I388Provision of mortuaries by health boards

1

Each health board must provide or ensure the provision for its area of such—

a

premises and facilities for the reception and temporary storage of the bodies of persons mentioned in subsection (2); and

b

premises and facilities for the post-mortem examination of such bodies,

as it considers appropriate.

2

Those persons are persons—

a

who die in a hospital in the board's area; or

b

who die elsewhere and whose bodies are brought to such a hospital.

3

Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to bodies of persons the reception, storage or post-mortem examination of which is required for the purposes of the functions or under the authority of the procurator fiscal.

4

In this Part, “mortuary” means premises and facilities provided by virtue of this section or section 87.

I189Co-operation by local authorities and health boards

Local authorities and health boards must co-operate with one another in complying with their respective duties under section 87(1) or, as the case may be, 88(1).