Wrong body buried after hospital 'error'

North Staffordshire Hospital has launched an inquiry

The body of a pensioner from Staffordshire has been exhumed after a mix up at the mortuary of a hospital

North Staffordshire Hospital confirmed an error was made between the hospital and funeral directors regarding the release of two bodies.

The mistake was not noticed until the burial of one of the men took place at Silverdale Cemetery in Newcastle.

An inquiry has been launched.

Sincere regrets

A spokesman from the hospital said an internal investigation has taken place to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

"Both the trust and undertaker concerned sincerely regret the distress caused to the families concerned and will work with them in a co-operative manner to help in any way possible," he said.

Newcastle Borough Council has confirmed that an exhumation took place at the cemetery last week.

A council spokesman said they are doing all they can to minimise the distress caused to families involved.