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Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-hospital-morgues-full-conference-rooms-1.5416916
Full morgues at Ottawa hospitals mean bodies kept in conference rooms, says union
Hospital says it's working to reduce capacity issues 'as quickly as possible and with the greatest of care'
Hillary Johnstone ? CBC News ? Posted: Jan 07, 2020 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Morgues at two Ottawa Hospital locations are full, resulting in some bodies being stored in unexpected places, including conference rooms, patient rooms and parts of the emergency department, according to the local health-care workers union.
Housekeepers and other staff have been startled to walk into unrefrigerated rooms and find deceased covered up, said Lou Burri, president of CUPE Local 4000.
"Smell is becoming a problem," said Burri, who represents clerical service and support workers, including registered practical nurses, patient care assistants, housekeepers, orderlies, tradespeople and secretaries.
He said his members have told him some bodies were being kept in hazmat rooms, usually reserved to respond to chemical accidents.
"In the beginning of December, it was pretty cold in Ottawa, so they would leave the doors open to keep the room refrigerated. Makeshift refrigeration, if you like, " said Burri.
He said his members have also told him bodies were being kept in patient rooms...
Full morgues at Ottawa hospitals mean bodies kept in conference rooms, says union
Hospital says it's working to reduce capacity issues 'as quickly as possible and with the greatest of care'
Hillary Johnstone ? CBC News ? Posted: Jan 07, 2020 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Morgues at two Ottawa Hospital locations are full, resulting in some bodies being stored in unexpected places, including conference rooms, patient rooms and parts of the emergency department, according to the local health-care workers union.
Housekeepers and other staff have been startled to walk into unrefrigerated rooms and find deceased covered up, said Lou Burri, president of CUPE Local 4000.
"Smell is becoming a problem," said Burri, who represents clerical service and support workers, including registered practical nurses, patient care assistants, housekeepers, orderlies, tradespeople and secretaries.
He said his members have told him some bodies were being kept in hazmat rooms, usually reserved to respond to chemical accidents.
"In the beginning of December, it was pretty cold in Ottawa, so they would leave the doors open to keep the room refrigerated. Makeshift refrigeration, if you like, " said Burri.
He said his members have also told him bodies were being kept in patient rooms...