Cremation of babies and unborn children – Shropshire Council statement

On Monday 2 June, BBC Radio Shropshire ran a report about the cremation of babies and unborn children at Emstrey crematorium in Shrewsbury.

Below is the full statement issued by Shropshire Council to the BBC about this issue.

The tragic death of a baby or unborn child is a traumatic time for all concerned and our thoughts are with all families who have been through this difficult experience.

We are only able to comment on the period from 2009 to 2011 when Shropshire Council was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Emstrey crematorium. Prior to that it was owned and managed by the former Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council, and since 2011 it has been run by our contractor.

However, we’re confident that since 2009 the appropriate procedures have been followed in cases involving the sad death of a baby or unborn child.

From 2009 to 2011 we worked closely with funeral directors to explain to bereaved families that in some circumstances there are no recoverable cremated remains. Where cremated remains were recoverable, the family’s wishes were followed, and recorded on the signed cremation application form completed before each cremation.

We also followed all the appropriate industry standards and current legislation.

This is something that our contractor continues to do today.

When we took over responsibility for the crematorium in 2009 the cremation equipment was in need of replacement. This work has now been carried out, and trays are now being used in the cremations of babies and unborn children.

Following any bereavement, being sensitive to the needs of the family, and providing the best service to them during this difficult time, is something that the council and our contractor strive to do. We are confident that the wishes of bereaved parents and families have been, and are, followed at all times.

It’s difficult for us to comment on the operation of the crematorium prior to 2009, when it was owned and operated by the former Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council.

It’s also difficult for us to comment on personal recollections about the operation of the crematorium in the 1950s and 1960s as none of the staff employed at the crematorium at that time still work there.

Likewise it’s hard for us to comment on the operation of crematoria in other parts of the country, such as that in South West Middlesex.

A detailed investigation into cremation remains has recently been undertaken in Scotland and it is anticipated that new guidance will soon be issued. Once this has been published, Shropshire Council and our contractor will look closely to see if any current practices require updating.