FOI_8928

Internal Reference Number: FOI_8928

Date Request Received: 29/09/2025 00:00:00

Date Request Replied To: 29/09/2025 00:00:00

This response was sent via: By Email

Request Summary: Use of Genealogy Services for Next of Kin Tracing

Request Category: Companies


Question Number 1: I am writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. My request particularly relates to Adult Social Services / Public Health who deal with the funerals and or estates of individuals who have died within the local authority at one of your hospitals or healthcare institutions. I would be grateful if you could provide the following information: Does your NHS Trust use a professional genealogy or heir tracing service to locate next of kin in any of the following circumstances: • Where an individual has died intestate or with no known next of kin; • Where the NHS Trust or local authority has arranged a public health funeral under its statutory duties?

Answer To Question 1: No

Question Number 2: If so, please could you provide the name(s) of the genealogy firm(s) or individual genealogist(s) your authority has used for this purpose in the past five years?

Answer To Question 2: N/A

Question Number 3: If your Trust maintains a list or panel of approved genealogists or firms for such services, I would also like to request information on how my firm can apply to be considered for inclusion on that list.

Answer To Question 3: N/A

Question Number 4: If you do not work with genealogist, can you confirm that should you be unable to locate next of kin, you then refer details straight to the Treasury Solicitor without the involvement of any professional genealogist?

Answer To Question 4: Our Bereavement services undertake investigation.

Question Number 5: Please advise if any details or estates have been passed to the Treasury Solicitor since 1st July 2025.

Answer To Question 5: None

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Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.