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Redfern

The Redfern Inquiry investigated the removal and analysis of organs from deceased nuclear workers in the UK between 1961 and 1992

The **Redfern Inquiry**, formally known as the **Redfern Inquiry into human tissue analysis in UK nuclear facilities**, was chaired by **Dr. David Macgregor**. The inquiry was initiated in **2007** and concluded with the publication of its final report in **November 2010**, lasting approximately **24 months**.


The inquiry investigated the removal and radiochemical analysis of organs from deceased nuclear workers between **1961 and 1992**. It was found that organs were removed during post-mortem examinations and subjected to radiochemical analysis at various nuclear facilities, including Sellafield. The inquiry revealed that this practice was conducted without proper consent from the deceased workers' families and that the results of the analysis were rarely used for coronial investigations.


The inquiry identified several key issues, including the lack of awareness and understanding of the law by pathologists, inadequate supervision, and the failure to obtain consent from the families. The report concluded that the families of the deceased workers had been wronged and recommended changes to ensure that such practices would not be repeated in the future.


The Redfern Inquiry made several recommendations to address these issues, including the need for better communication and transparency with families, improved training for pathologists, and the establishment of clear guidelines for obtaining consent. The inquiry also emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in medical research and the need for robust oversight mechanisms to protect the rights of individuals and their families.


In one sentence: The Redfern Inquiry investigated the removal and analysis of organs from deceased nuclear workers in the UK between 1961 and 1992, leading to recommendations for improving consent processes and ethical standards in medical research.


Key numbers at a glance

Recommendations

24

Months to complete

Cost (if known)

0

Deaths (direct)

Recommendations


Recommendation

Description

Informed Consent

Strengthen requirements for obtaining informed consent for post-mortem organ retention

Review of Coroners' System

Review and improve the coroners' system

Bereavement Advisors

Develop bereavement advisor posts

Joint Hospital/University Posts

Review arrangements for joint hospital/university posts


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