Scottish Government acknowledges funeral directors

Joe Fitzpatrick

The role funeral directors played in assisting the Scottish Government throughout the pandemic has been praised by Joe Fitzpatrick, the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing.

In a letter to the Deceased Management Advisory Group, Joe wrote: “The challenges we have faced this year so far have been extraordinary, and the way in which those working on the front line have responded has been exceptional.

“The funeral sector has been a crucial part of that response and I am writing to thank you for everything your organisation, your members, and all of those working in the funeral sector have done to care for the deceased and support families through these very difficult circumstances.

“I am aware of the excellent support that funeral directors, burial authority staff and cremation authority staff are providing to people across our communities and I would be very grateful if you would pass on my personal thanks to your members for their ongoing commitment to provide vital help and assistance to those who need it most.

“I understand that existing networks between my officials and the trade associations have been well utilised and that new ways of working have been developed, including the establishment of various key groups as part of the COVID-19 response.

“All of this great work is taking place at a time when COVID-19 is impacting all of us personally as well as professionally. I am impressed by the sector’s ability to adapt to the necessary changes introduced by restrictions and, by working together, to overcome challenges.

“While the pandemic is not over, and there will undoubtedly be more challenges to come, it is reassuring to know that the Scottish Government and representatives of the funeral sector have strong networks in place. “I hope these strong networks will remain as we head into the winter months ahead.

“Thank you again for the vital work that you’ve undertaken thus far in the pandemic and please share my sincerest thanks with all your members for the part they have played in rising to this unprecedented challenge.”

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