Why Did a Funeral Director Place My Baby in a Bouncer in Front of the TV?

This article explores the disturbing case of a funeral director in Leeds, Amie Upton, who has been banned from NHS maternity wards and mortuaries after allegations of improper handling of deceased infants. Upton, who ran a baby loss support and funeral service called Florrie's Army, reportedly kept babies' bodies in her home, leading to distress among bereaved families. The incident highlights significant gaps in regulation within the funeral industry in England and Wales, raising concerns about the treatment of deceased infants.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Amie Upton, a funeral director, has been banned from NHS facilities after mishandling deceased infants.
• Families reported distressing experiences when visiting Upton's home, where bodies were allegedly kept improperly.
• The funeral industry in England and Wales is largely unregulated, raising concerns about standards and practices.
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust has taken steps to address concerns but continues to face scrutiny.
• Calls for statutory regulations in the funeral industry are gaining momentum following this case.

The Allegations Against Amie Upton

Amie Upton, 38, has recently come under fire after a BBC investigation revealed troubling practices at her funeral service, Florrie's Army. The allegations stemmed from the experiences of bereaved parents who entrusted their deceased infants to her care. One mother, Zoe Ward, described a horrific ordeal when she discovered her three-week-old son, Bleu, in a baby bouncer in Upton's living room, watching cartoons.

According to Ward, the situation was both shocking and distressing, leaving her "upset and angry". She had expected a professional environment for her son’s remains, but instead found a chaotic home setting, complete with pets and other deceased infants. This revelation led her to seek another funeral director to ensure her child's dignity was preserved.

The Response from Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, which oversees maternity wards and mortuaries in the area, has stated that it barred Upton from its facilities after receiving multiple complaints about her practices. The Trust clarified that only authorized funeral directors are permitted to sign out bodies from their mortuaries. Upton's interactions with the hospital raised significant concerns, prompting the Trust to implement additional safeguarding measures.

In response to the troubling reports, the Trust has reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards in the treatment of deceased infants and has engaged with police and safeguarding services regarding the allegations against Upton.

The Lack of Regulation in the Funeral Industry

One of the most alarming aspects of this situation is the lack of regulation within the funeral industry in England and Wales. Unlike Scotland, where a statutory code of conduct for funeral directors was introduced in March, England and Wales remain without such mandatory oversight. This absence of regulation means that anyone can set up a funeral service without formal qualifications or adherence to best practices.

Trade organisations such as the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) do exist, but their membership is voluntary. As such, many funeral directors, including Upton, may operate outside their guidelines, which stipulate that deceased bodies should be stored in a clean, clinical environment and kept at specific temperatures between 4-7°C.

Family Experiences and Distress

Several families have come forward to share their distressing experiences with Upton and Florrie's Army. One couple, who lost their daughter shortly after birth, reported that they were misled about the whereabouts of their child's body. They believed their daughter was being kept in a professional funeral parlour but later discovered she had been taken to Upton's home without their consent.

Sharon, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her disbelief and horror upon realising that her child was not in a professional setting. She described the conditions of Upton's home as "really smelly" and unsuitable for a deceased infant. This lack of transparency and proper care has left many families questioning the standards of service they received.

Implications for the Future of Funeral Services

The incidents surrounding Amie Upton and Florrie's Army have sparked a broader conversation about the need for reform in the funeral industry. Many professionals and families are calling for stricter regulations to ensure that funeral directors meet minimum standards of care and professionalism.

The government has acknowledged the situation, with a spokesperson stating that they are considering various options to improve standards in the funeral industry. As public awareness grows regarding these issues, there is hope that legislative changes will follow to protect grieving families and ensure that deceased individuals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The distressing revelations about Amie Upton's practices highlight a significant gap in the regulation of the funeral industry in England and Wales. Families should have the assurance that their loved ones will be treated with care and respect during their most vulnerable moments. The recent events have prompted calls for action, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these concerns. As society grapples with these issues, one can only hope that meaningful changes will be implemented to prevent future tragedies.

How can we ensure that grieving families receive the care and support they deserve during such a challenging time? #FuneralCare #RegulationReform #FamilySupport

FAQs

What happened with Amie Upton?

Amie Upton, a funeral director in Leeds, was banned from NHS maternity wards after allegations surfaced that she kept deceased infants' bodies in her home, leading to distress among bereaved families.

Why is the funeral industry unregulated in England and Wales?

The funeral industry in England and Wales lacks statutory regulation, meaning there are no legal requirements for funeral directors to have formal qualifications or adhere to specific standards, unlike in Scotland.

What are families saying about their experiences with Florrie's Army?

Families have reported distressing experiences with Florrie's Army, including being misled about the treatment and storage of their deceased infants' bodies, resulting in significant emotional turmoil.

What measures are being taken to address these issues?

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust has implemented additional safeguarding measures and has engaged with police and external services to address concerns about Amie Upton's practices.

Are there any calls for regulation in the funeral industry?

Yes, there are increasing calls for statutory regulations in the funeral industry in England and Wales to ensure that families receive professional care during their times of loss.