Independent report into infant cremations published

An independent report into infant cremations at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury has been published today (Monday 1 June 2015).

The report can be seen here.

The independent inquiry was commissioned by Shropshire Council at the request of bereaved families to look into cases where no ashes were returned to families following the cremation of a baby or unborn child at Emstrey Crematorium.

The inquiry began in December 2014. It was led by Chairman David Jenkins, supported by research assistant John Doyle.

The remit of the inquiry was to review the policies, practices and procedures adopted by Emstrey Crematorium and its partners when carrying out infant cremations during the past 15-year period, and to publish a series of findings and recommendations. David Jenkins and John Doyle interviewed bereaved families, current and former members of crematorium staff, council officers, representatives from The Co-Operative Funeralcare – the current operator of Emstrey Crematorium – representatives from funeral directors, staff from other crematoria, support groups and health professionals, Government officials and more.

The report, with appendices, extends to over 90 pages in total. The report contains 12 recommendations – five are appropriate to Emstrey and to Shropshire; seven are national recommendations.

Clive Wright, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council, said:

“On behalf of Shropshire Council I would like to offer my sympathy and sincere apologies to all bereaved families for the distress they have suffered following the cremation of their baby or child at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury.

“Shropshire Council agreed to commission an independent inquiry into infant cremations at Emstrey just over 12 months ago, at the request of bereaved parents.

“I particularly wish to mention those families who have contributed to this inquiry. There can surely be nothing worse than losing a child and I’m sure that reliving their painful experiences has not been easy.

“I realise that the past year has been very difficult for these families and I wish to thank them for their co-operation with the inquiry and for their contribution to the report.

“I firmly believe that David Jenkins leading the inquiry, and John Doyle assisting him, has proven to be the right team to deliver this inquiry.

“I would also like to thank everyone who have contributed to the inquiry and helped David and John to complete their report and draw their conclusions.

“We note that the report makes clear that the practices carried out at Emstrey Crematorium in the period covered by the inquiry were carried out in accordance with the law and within the requirements of the crematorium’s environmental permit – and that crematorium staff were acting appropriately and legally at all times.

“The report makes it clear that the failure to return ashes is historic rather than current. Following the installation of new equipment and the adoption of different cremation techniques by the current operators, ashes have been recovered in all infant cremations since January 2013.

“However, the report conclusions make it clear that there are a number of lessons to be learned, and we will do so.

“The report makes many important recommendations – some local, some national.

“I will now be working with council colleagues, representatives from The Co-operative Funeralcare, councillors and others to carefully consider the Shropshire-specific recommendations and their implementation. We will provide regular progress updates.

“We will also follow with interest the progress the Government is making towards adoption of the national recommendations.

“And we will now speak with families, The Co-operative Funeralcare – the current operators of Emstrey Crematorium – and other relevant organisations to ask their views on a suitable memorial or memorial service.”

All families involved have been sent a copy of the report.

The full terms of reference of the inquiry can be seen here.