Help us keep the lights on Support us
The Bristol Cable

Temporary coronavirus mortuary to open as council prepares for ‘worst case scenario’

The new mortuary will increase Bristol City Council’s capacity to deal with deceased people by two-thirds.

Coronavirus in Bristol

A temporary mortuary for 240 bodies will be created at Sandy Park in Bristol by the end of the week to cope with the expected rise in numbers of coronavirus victims.

Work begins tomorrow to install six chilled containers covered by a large gazebo to store the dead on an existing council vehicle depot.

It will increase the capacity for deceased people in Bristol by almost two-thirds, which highlights the tragic scale of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As of today, there are now 211 confirmed cases in Bristol, with the latest number of deaths reported at Southmead Hospital and the BRI to be 27. The most recent UK death toll announced by the government today was 5,373.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: “We’re faced with a heart-breaking but necessary task, to ensure our city is fully prepared in the next few weeks.

“Unfortunately, the sad reality is that we are likely to see a significant number of people lose their lives to coronavirus and we must be ready to ensure we deal with that in the most dignified and sensitive way possible so we can respect the deceased and their families.

“We are following national guidance, and building a temporary mortuary will be similar to a number of others planned around the country, as we all come to terms with the tragic implications of this crisis.”

Rees said the extra capacity for 240 coronavirus victims was in line with “worst-case scenarios” from the projected number of deaths.

“We will be talking to the local community and ensuring this is done in as respectful a way as possible,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone in Bristol – for your sensitivity and understanding while we make these difficult decisions and as we pull together to support the city’s response to the pandemic.”

The mortuary will be solely devoted to covid-19 victims, while hospitals have increased their general capacity for patients who have died over the last few weeks.

Restrictions will be in place to protect staff based at Sandy Park who will be offered continued emotional support.

Bristol City Council says that aside from the temporary construction work in the top car park between Bloomfield Road and Sandy Park Road in Brislington, nearby residents will not be affected and the mortuary will be discreetly concealed. It has written to neighbours to keep them informed.

Current mortuary storage capacity in Bristol, excluding funeral directors, is for 384 bodies.

Keep the Lights On

Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury.

The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol.

We are on a mission to become sustainable – will you help us get there?

Join now

What makes us different?

Comments

Post a comment

Mark if this comment is from the author of the article

By posting a comment you agree to our Comment Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related content

Marvin Rees receives payment from energy giant he awarded massive contract to

US firm Ameresco is now a paying client of Lord Rees of Easton, who struck the £1 billion City Leap decarbonisation deal with the firm when he was Bristol’s mayor.

As Bristol battles to build affordable housing, developers are still gaming the system

The Cable has uncovered a brazen attempt by prolific property developers to escape building affordable housing, at a time when the city is still falling well short of its own targets.

Explained: What do council funding reforms mean for Bristol?

After austerity hollowed out council budgets, the new government is changing how local authorities are funded, so is there light at the end of the tunnel for Bristol?

Project helping new dads cope with parenthood faces uncertain future

Dad Matters, set up in 2024, has been supporting men across Bristol to navigate the tricky challenges of early fatherhood – but the council is now working out if it can continue funding the service.

Listen: Bristol Unpacked, with former Lord Mayor Paul Goggin on homelessness, mental health and the struggle for south Bristol votes

'It's been eventful', says Paul Goggin, of a life that has featured both rough sleeping and local politics. He joins Neil Maggs to talk housing, faith, and whether Labour should fear Reform in wards like Hartcliffe and Withywood.

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Amanda Sharman on leading the charge for boat-dwellers’ rights

Who are the boat-dwellers living around Bristol's harbour, and why have they been at loggerheads with Bristol City Council? Neil Maggs chats to Bristol Boaters' Community Association co-chair Amanda Sharman to find out.

Join our newsletter

Get the essential stories you won’t find anywhere else

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter to get our weekly round-up direct to your inbox every Saturday

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter

Get our latest stories & essential Bristol news
sent to your inbox every Saturday morning