Families from all over the country heard an NHS director make an official apology for Oxford's retained organ scandal on November 19.

David Highton, chief executive of the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, faced relatives whose loved ones' hearts and brains were removed without their permission.

More than 1,800 people have contacted a dedicated hotline since January 2000, when staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, admitted 4,400 organs had been taken for research and teaching. Most of the inquiries have now been answered by a special retained organs team at the trust.

About 35 families went to last night's meeting, which was set up by support group Legacy Faborio, and hosted by Thames Valley Health Authority at their Oxford Business Park South offices in Cowley.

Sharon Morant, secretary of Legacy Faborio, said: "It was very good.

"The atmosphere was dignified, and families had a good opportunity to get their questions forward. The hospital staff answered them as fully as possible, and David Highton made an official apology.

"People came from a wide area from all over the country, and they have had some of their fears alleviated.

"There's still a lot of confusion about how consent forms are going to be changed to prevent this happening again.

"Families thought this would be washed under the carpet if at all possible, but I think practices are going to change."

As well as questions about consent, Mr Highton and his colleagues -- including chief nurse Julie Hartley-Jones and trust senior chaplain the Rev Nick Fennemore -- covered queries about the disposal of remaining organs.

They also spoke about the memorial service, due to take place early next year, and bereavement counselling.