A GRIEVING woman has been told she cannot see her brother’s body in Southend Hospital’s morgue to say goodbye after he died alone at home.

Paul Fleischer, known by friends as Curtis, was discovered dead at his Canvey home by a friend on Wednesday, March 2.

He was taken to Southend Hospital mortuary where his family say they have been denied access to say goodbye to him due to Covid-19 rules and concerns over spreading the virus.

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Southend Hospital confirmed that Covid restrictions are still in place barring people visiting the mortuary, but insisted rules are being reviewed this week.

Echo:

Friendly giant - Paul

Paul’s sister Linda Pearmain, 64, said: “I have been so upset because the thought of my brother laying there dead in his home by himself is just awful.

“And now he is in the mortuary, none of his family have been able to go and be with him and say a prayer.

The Great Wakering resident added: “It would be easier to accept if it was still the height of the pandemic, but for goodness’ sake, the hospital’s ward is open to visitors, you can be with someone who is in a bed, but you can’t go and pay your respect to somebody that has died. Why?”

The 67-year-old taxi driver was found dead at his home when a friend grew worried after he failed to respond to text messages and calls.

On arrival at his home, she saw his dog whimpering and pacing in circles. Entering through the unlocked back door, she found him dead on his sofa in front of the television.

The family are still awaiting the coroner’s post-mortem examination to find out why Paul died, but from his phone activity, believe he may have died two days before he was found.

Linda added: “My brother was a lovely big man, who was very kind with people and would always help out others.

“Thankfully, the hospital’s chaplain has promised me he will say a prayer with my brother which made me feel better.”

A spokesman for the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, said: “Alternative visiting arrangements have been made through funeral homes to allow families to see their loved ones, during visiting restrictions to our mortuary. Due to the nature of the mortuary service, we have taken further advice and guidance as to relaxing arrangements to maintain the safety to our visitors and staff. These are being reviewed again this week.”