The province’s health authority says new policies and procedures regarding unclaimed human remains are working effectively.

The changes were implemented last May after it came to light in 2024 that unclaimed bodies were being stored in freezer units outside the Health Sciences, a revelation that caused public outrage.

Among the changes introduced were protocols involving the search for next of kin, and the introduction of a public website where information on unclaimed remains are posted for five days before the health authority can take action set out in the legislation, including making respectful final arrangements.

NL Health Services says since its implementation, information on 48 individuals has been posted to the website.