AN assurance that no tissue taken during post mortem examinations at Burnley General Hospital had been sold on to commercial organisations, has been given by Health Trust chief executive David Chew.

The matter was raised by Harry Horne, a member of the patient watchdog Community Health Council group as Health Trust directors received details of the Alder Hey inquiry into organ retention.

Mr Chew told members that the Trust had never retained organs but had kept a small number of tissue samples when further investigation was needed.

Mr Horne said he felt there was a danger of over-reaction to the report but asked if tissue had ever been sold by the Trust to commercial organisations.

Mr Chew said: "I can confirm it has not, to the best of my knowledge."

Directors heard that four people had already contacted the Trust's special helpline, set up in the aftermath of the Alder Hey report, to give advice to anyone concerned about any aspect of the post mortem examination process.