A family shared their distressing experience with the Mirror, recounting how their father was neglected at a Co-Op funeral home. Kevin Fairfield passed away suddenly at his Rosyth residence in Dunfermline at 65 due to a heart attack. The family was shocked by the lack of care provided by the Co-Op staff, who allegedly neglected basic body preparations for nearly two weeks and did not even secure a coffin for him.
Despite the family’s requests, Kevin’s body was not embalmed and deteriorated to a point where they were advised against viewing him, depriving them of the opportunity to say their final goodbyes. Eventually, Kevin’s children arranged for his transfer to a local funeral home, where staff were appalled by the condition in which he had been left.
The family’s concerns began when the Co-Op initially refused to collect Kevin’s body on a Sunday afternoon, leading to a significant delay until a police officer intervened. Subsequent communication with the Co-Op regarding viewing arrangements left the family feeling neglected and unheard, pushing them to seek services elsewhere.
Upon inspection by the new funeral directors, it was discovered that Kevin had not been embalmed, was in a severe state of decomposition, and was not properly clothed as requested by the family. Legal actions followed, resulting in a financial settlement with the Co-Op. The family also highlighted discrepancies in the Co-Op’s records, including inaccurate measurements and other administrative errors.
The family’s ordeal has prompted them to advocate for stricter regulations in the funeral industry to prevent similar incidents. They emphasize the emotional toll of their experience and the need for accountability and transparency within the sector. The Co-Op expressed regret for the procedural error but maintained that Kevin was treated with dignity and respect during his time in their care, implementing internal measures to prevent similar oversights in the future.
