Legal aspects of consent 14: organ removal, retention, storage.

Case Scenario: Sarah was born with a congenital heart condition. Unfortunately, the subsequent operation proved unsuccessful and Sarah died. Sarah's parents were asked if they would agree to a post mortem being performed to assist in research so that in future such conditions could be successfully operated upon. The parents agreed and subsequently they were notified that the body was available for disposal. They decided upon a cremation. Several years later, following an inquiry into the pathology services of the hospital, they were notified by the Chief Executive's department that Sarah's heart, lungs, liver and other organs had been retained. The parents were shocked. What is the law?