AN investigation has been launched after the body of a dead patient at a Co Westmeath hospital was given to the wrong family.
The Health Service Executive launched the probe after the mix-up at the Regional Hospital Mullingar last month.
The hospital said the wrong remains were released to an undertaker from its mortuary on April 24.
"Following detection, the mistake was rectified.
"We would like to offer our condolences to the families and sincerely apologise for the distress this has caused during this difficult time."
It is understood a person had died as a result of coronavirus but the remains released to their family were those of another patient.
The error was noticed by hospital staff before the funeral took place and was rectified as soon as it became apparent.
