MORECAMBE Bay Hospital pathologists are among those who have stored body parts and organs according to an official checklist published following the Alder Hey scandal.

The local trust is listed as holding fewer than 50 organs in figures issued by the Government's Chief Medical Officer, Prof Liam Donaldson.

This week, chief executive of the local trust, Ian Cumming, issued a statement to outline the position in Lancaster and Morecambe and to help avoid unnecessary concern.

Mr Cumming said: "On seeing the national reports our Trust recognised that the content would cause concern for many people locally and indeed real distress for some. On behalf of the local NHS, I am deeply sorry about this.

"Locally, I believe that our doctors have always acted responsibility and with the patients' best interest in mind. To try and alleviate local concerns I would like to explain our practices within Morecambe Bay."

"Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust provides an extensive pathology service and as part of this service we carry out post-mortems only when required by the coroner or when relatives give written agreement to a post-mortem for specific reasons."

He added: "Organs sometimes need to be moved temporarily from a body at post-mortem by the doctor to allow for detailed examination. Our pathology service does not retain organs beyond the point at which the cause of death is established. The only items we retain are microscope slides of stained tissue or tiny pieces of processed tissue embedded in paraffin wax if these help ascertain the cause of death."

"Any organs which are removed form the body during a post-mortem are returned to the body prior to internment or cremation or otherwise disposed of with respect. In the very rare circumstances where the cause of death remains uncertain, organs or tissue samples may sometimes be retained by our doctors for future diagnostic tests."

Mr Cumming did say that a very small number of organs and tissues had been retained for medico-legal reasons or where relatives gave permission for teaching or research.

A helpline has been set up for anyone with any concerns. They should call 01539 795373.