Wrong body cremated in 'heartbreaking' mix up at the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran

NHS officials have apologised to a bereaved family after they attended a cremation for the wrong body.

The family had to attended a second cremation after the error was discovered at the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, it has been reported.

The chief executive of the board that runs the hospital said staff have been left "utterly heartbroken" by the mix-up.

The organisation believes there's no known family of the other patient.

Nicola Prygodzicz, of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said they "identified this mistake through our own processes".

She added: "Words cannot express how sorry we are. We are utterly heartbroken about what has happened to the family and we take responsibility for this isolated incident."

Reassuring people that it was an "exceptional case" she said an initial review had been carried out and they were "confident that this is down to human error in an isolated case".

"However, we are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and we will keep family members fully updated throughout our investigation," she added.

"No words we can say, or actions we can take, can put this right.

"We are deeply sorry and our thoughts and full support remain with the family."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...