News & Star

Sellafield body parts probe helpline set up

Published on 28/07/2007

By Susie Carter

A HELPLINE has been set up as part of the inquiry into the removal of body tissue from nuclear workers at Sellafield.

A telephone number, fax number and postal address have been released for the Redfern Inquiry.

Michael Redfern QC is looking into 65 reported cases, mainly involving staff employed at the west Cumbrian nuclear plant between 1962 and 1992.

He was appointed to investigate why samples were taken and whether next of kin were informed.

An inquiry was launched in April after the GMB union said samples were taken from up to 70 former Sellafield employees.

Mr Redfern, who conducted the inquiry into the removal of body organs at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, has arranged a point of contact at his offices in Manchester.

He also plans to set up an additional base in Whitehaven.

And a family support group is expected to start in the next few weeks.

Mr Redfern said: “We are keen for as many people as possible to come forward and help us with this inquiry.

“I recognise that people in Cumbria are keen for there to be an office in west Cumbria, and I too feel that this is important.

“Contact details for our Whitehaven office will be issued in the next few weeks. I anticipate that a family support group will be up and running within the same time period.”

Details for the inquiry office are: The Redfern Inquiry, 7th Floor, 1 Byrom Place, Manchester, M3 3HG; or email contact@theredferninquiry.co.uk; fax 0161 837 1569 or phone 0161 837 1554.

The inquiry was announced by Alistair Darling, then Secretary of State, for the Department of Trade and Industry.

It will focus on British Nuclear Group, Sellafield, west Cumbria, but will also consider sites including UKAEA Harwell in Oxfordshire and AWE Aldermaston, in Berkshire, among others.

SCarter@cngroup.co.uk