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Temporary mortuary ready at Sandy Park
The hope is it will never be used, but city and faith leaders are ensuring a temporary mortuary in Brislington is a fitting and respectful place of rest.
Potted plants mark the entrance to the facility that has been built in response to the coronavirus pandemic on a site off Sandy Park usually used as the council’s vehicle fleet servicing depot.
A large white gazebo covers the six temperature-controlled containers, which can accommodate up to 240 bodies.
is needed now More than ever
Representatives from faiths across the city, alongside a humanist celebrant, paid tribute to everyone affected by the pandemic during a short ceremony on Friday. Each spoke to share thoughts, prayers and blessings, with some linked via Zoom.
A multi-faith ceremony was held at the site on Friday. Photo by Ellie Pipe
The hope is that the facility will never need to be used. Photo by Ellie Pipe
Deputy mayor Asher Craig said the hope is that the temporary morgue will not be needed, adding that she wants people to feel rest assured that it is a place of love, comfort and peace.
Mayor Marvin Rees said: “This is a difficult time for everyone in our city and we know the reason for building this place of rest is distressing for our communities. It’s important we take all preparations necessary so we can provide a dignified place to rest for citizens who sadly lose their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The mayor continued: “Today’s event exemplified kindness, respect and dignity. It’s reassuring to see representatives from a range of faiths and non-faiths coming together today. I hope it gives some comfort to all our residents that we will do all we can to support each other through this difficult time.”
The temporary mortuary can accommodate up to 240 bodies. Photo by Ellie Pipe
Many faith leaders joined via Zoom. Photo by Ellie Pipe
Lord mayor Jos Clark, Humanist celebrant Chrissie Hackett and Zaheer Shabir, representing the Muslim faith, all spoke inside the temporary building.
Attendees via zoom included the Bishop of Bristol Vivienne Faull, Buddhist Chaplin at the University of Bristol, Sister Jinho, Rabbi Monique Mayer, Hindu representative Shiv Sama, and Canon Bosco MacDonald, representing the Catholic faith.
The temporary mortuary has been built at Sandy Park in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Ellie Pipe
Read more: Nightingale Hospital expected to be ready by the end of April
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