The province’s Seniors’ Advocate is looking for answers after learning that all of those named on a recent public list of unclaimed human bodies were aged 60-plus, and most of those were seniors

Susan Walsh reached out to senior officials with NL Health Services after reviewing the process followed to locate and contact family of the deceased.

Walsh has confirmed that the health authority has agreed to work with extended community networks, and has ensured that the wishes of the deceased, if known, are met.

She’s also determined that NL Health Services will return the deceased to their community of origin for burial, that a permanent marker with the person’s name be erected at the grave site and that more social work staff are hired to complete that work.

Walsh will not speak publicly on the challenging social and emotional issues related to the families involved, given the sensitive nature of the issue.

She is however, offering assurances to the community that she is continuing to monitor the situation to ensure that the burial of the unclaimed bodies of seniors is being managed in a respectful and appropriate manner.