QEH Clarifies Process for Unclaimed Bodies Following New Legislation

Bridgetown, Barbados – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is advising the public that, following the enactment of the Health Services (Disposal of Abandoned Bodies) Regulations, 2026, there is now a clear legal process for the management of deceased patients whose bodies remain unclaimed.

Until these Regulations came into force, the Hospital did not have the legal authority to dispose of unclaimed bodies, regardless of how long they remained in the mortuary. The QEH was therefore required by law to retain these bodies while making every reasonable effort to identify and contact the next of kin or other persons entitled to claim them.

The new Regulations now provide a lawful, transparent and dignified process for managing unclaimed bodies while continuing to protect the rights of families.

Following the death of a patient, the Hospital’s Death Clerk will make every reasonable effort to contact the next of kin using the contact information available. Where relatives cannot be reached, the relevant police station will be notified to assist in locating family members.

Under the Regulations, families are required to collect the body within four (4) days of notification or, where a Coroner’s or Hospital post-mortem is required, within four days of the body being formally released. Families experiencing difficulty making arrangements are encouraged to contact the Hospital as soon as possible so that assistance can be provided.

Where a body remains unclaimed after all legal requirements have been met, the Hospital will follow the process prescribed by law before arranging for a respectful burial, cremation or other lawful disposition. In cases where no next of kin can be identified or located, public notices will be published as required by the Regulations before any further action is taken.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital remains committed to treating every deceased patient with dignity, compassion and respect, while ensuring that every reasonable opportunity is provided for families to claim their loved ones.