P2-5 Response Accepted in Part AI-assessed

Operational barriers including device restrictions

Recommendation

All NHS trusts should consider putting in place systemic operational barriers that prevent the security and dignity of deceased people being compromised. An example of this would be implementation of a rule that prevents electronic devices such as phones or cameras being taken into a mortuary, other than for approved reasons.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Government Interim Update, December 2025, NHS England accepted in principle the recommendation to implement systemic operational barriers in mortuaries, such as restricting electronic devices. As of December 2025, according to NHS England, it was working with trusts on guidance for operational security measures (Government Interim Update, December 2025). No specific guidance has been published.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, questions-statements.parliament.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted in Part
Accepted in Part NHS England
01 Dec 2025

The Government has agreed to accept in principle this recommendation subject to further work to determine its full impact.

Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Dec 2025

Accepted in principle. The government has agreed to accept in principle this recommendation subject to further work to determine the full impact. The government will continue to work on its response to the recommendations and provide a full response to the Fuller inquiry phase 2 report by summer 2026. (Source: Interim update on government progress in responding to the Fuller inquiry phase 2 report, December 2025)

Source
Inquiry Fuller Inquiry
Report Fuller Inquiry Phase 2 Report 15 Jul 2025
View Source
Responsible Bodies
NHS England Primary
Themes & Tags
Patient dignity and privacy Care safeguarding systems Security Devices Mortuary Barriers
Recommendation age 0.7 yr
Last formal update 01 Dec 2025