Prosecution Calls for Witnesses Over South Hospital Morgue Allegations

Prosecutors in Warsaw are urging families and hospital staff to come forward with information regarding alleged professional misconduct and ethical breaches at the South Hospital’s morgue facility.

Prosecution Seeks Information on Morgue Irregularities

Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Piotr A. Skiba stated that media reports allege the morgue coordinator demanded illegal fees for releasing bodies and accepted benefits for directing families to specific funeral homes. Additionally, there are claims that the coordinator insulted corpses by urinating on them.

The prosecutor noted that there is currently insufficient evidence to launch a formal investigation, as no official criminal complaints have been filed. Consequently, the District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw-Ursynów is appealing to families, hospital staff, and funeral home employees to report any irregularities.

Hospital Terminates Morgue Coordinator

South Hospital authorities terminated the employment of the morgue coordinator with immediate effect, citing a gross violation of fundamental duties. The hospital emphasized that it must uphold the sanctity of the deceased and provide support to grieving families.

Hospital officials stated that they have found no evidence that families were forced to choose specific funeral providers. They clarified that recent media claims regarding the “trading of bodies” at the facility remain unconfirmed by investigative findings.

Prior Reports and Social Media Conduct

The dismissal followed allegations by the Zero.pl portal, which claimed the coordinator promoted funeral businesses, posted photos of human remains on social media, and rented the morgue as a film set.

The hospital had previously filed two notifications with the prosecution: one concerning a hidden listening device in the morgue and another regarding the publication of autopsy photos. The wiretapping case was discontinued, and prosecutors refused to open an investigation into the photos, concluding they were shared for educational purposes related to thanatology and medical research.