Professor Claire Smith, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Innovation) at the University of Sussex and Professor of Anatomy at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) has been appointed to a prestigious additional role as Inspector of Anatomy, Ireland.

Ireland has six medical schools and is currently operating under its Anatomy Act of 1832. The Act was set up to regulate the use of the deceased, after the public revulsion about the illegal trade in corpses. The 1832 Act put in place four inspectors (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales). This was replaced by Human Tissue Acts 2004 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 2006 in Scotland. The 1832 Act remains in force in Ireland.  

As in the UK, Ireland has an established system of body donation, where the deceased are used by medical and allied health care students and professionals as part of their training. This includes the training of surgeons in developing safe practice, and new innovations in medical and surgical fields. There are approximately 7,000 medical students currently in training in Ireland and around 120 new donors are accepted in Ireland per year. Irish Medical Schools also hold a number of historical collections of human tissue that also fall under this act.

The part-time role of Inspector of Anatomy is in place to ensure that the individuals holding licences, the premises, and the practices being undertaken are suitable. At its core is ensuring no offences are being committed, safeguarding the deceased. 

A new Human Tissue Act is being introduced in Ireland and Professor Smith will be supporting its introduction. She previously held an Anatomy Licence under the 1984 Anatomy Act, and contributed to the development of the 2004 Human Tissue Act in England. Undertaking the role of Designated Individual for the Brighton and Sussex Medical School Anatomy and Public Display licences, Claire has overseen the care of 500 deceased patients and thousands of bones and specimens in jars. She co-authored sector best practice guidelines, and will be the first female inspector in Ireland and the last inspector under the 1832 Act. 

Claire said: “It is a privilege to serve in a role that upholds the highest standards of ethical practice and respect for human dignity in medical education and research. I am committed to ensuring that medical knowledge and practice not only advances but also honours the generosity of those who bequeath their bodies. Together, we will strive to maintain public trust and uphold the values that guide our profession.”

Professor Richard McManus, Dean of BSMS said: “Claire is an exemplary anatomist, and has a strong ethical commitment to the caring and compassionate treatment of those who donate their bodies. She recently led the 2024 Human Tissue Act Inspection at BSMS which passed with flying colours and I am sure she will be a great asset to the Medical Council of Ireland in this new role. I am delighted that she will be able to undertake this work alongside her roles here at BSMS and the wider University of Sussex.”