Rabina Tindale, Chief Nurse at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“Over the past few years we have received several serious concerns about services provided by Amie Upton. Given these concerns, and the fact that some families have believed services are linked to or supported by the Trust, we must be clear that neither Amie Upton or Florrie’s Army is endorsed by, or associated with, Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
“When we first became aware of concerns, we implemented extra steps in our mortuary services on top of our already robust measures. Since 2021 we have had specific safeguarding measures in place, including monitoring Amie’s attendance when visiting deceased patients at the mortuary in her funeral service role. Any visitors to the mortuary are always accompanied by mortuary staff. Any handover of a body is undertaken in line with Trust policies and procedures and takes place to an authorised funeral director.
“Actions were further strengthened this year, including Amie no longer being allowed to be present in our Maternity services unless as a patient herself.
“Over the past few years, our concerns have been raised with the police, external safeguarding services and relevant regulators.
“We support bereaved families during their most difficult times through tailored, compassionate and regulated services. We have dedicated staff, including bereavement midwives and nurses, who provide personalised support for bereaved mothers and their families. They always respect each family’s individual needs and wishes.”