Can a dead person be defamed?

My father died in 2000. He was a very respected and loved GP who worked in a practice with my mother. He was in the Navy as a medic in WW2 and received an MBE for services renedered to the community in the 80's. We were a large happy family - 5 kids.

Out of the blue a man came forward to the local paper with revolting accusations and appealing for others to come forward. No name has been mentioned but in a small town it was quite clear that he was referring to my parents' practice. Now 4 others have come forward. There are many anomalies in their statements. This was over the space of 3 weeks. Now yesterday the local BBC have broadcast the statement by the original man.

My 3 remaining siblings and I are appalled. It is horrific that a person's good name can be dirtied in this way.

Is there anything we can do?