P2-22 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Independent sector SOPs for deceased patients

Recommendation

Independent sector healthcare providers should ensure that there are Standard Operating Procedures and policies in place to protect the security and dignity of any patients that die under their care. Wherever possible, deceased patients' rooms should be kept locked. Providers should also ensure that staff are aware of the need to protect the security and dignity of deceased patients and are able to assess and mitigate risks to this.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the government's statement in December 2025, the government accepted this recommendation in full and stated that it would work with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the independent sector to ensure appropriate Standard Operating Procedures and policies are in place to protect the security and dignity of deceased patients. No specific published SOPs or CQC guidance have been identified.
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
Accepted Department of Health and Social Care
01 Dec 2025

The Department of Health and Social Care has met with the Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN), who engaged with its members in September 2025. IHPN members have confirmed they have taken action on the report, and are considering the vehicle to ensure assurance against the actions. DHSC has engaged independent inpatient mental health providers to ensure they are also aware of the Inquiry's recommendations and take and take any appropriate measures.

Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Dec 2025

Accepted in full. DHSC officials have met twice with the Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN), which engaged with its members in September 2025. Members have confirmed they have taken action on the report. IHPN is now considering how to ensure assurance against the actions. DHSC has engaged independent inpatient mental health providers to ensure they are also aware of the inquiry's recommendations and take any appropriate measures. (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
Department of Health and Social Care Primary
Themes & Tags
Patient dignity and privacy Care safeguarding systems Independent Sector Sops Deceased Dignity
Recommendation age 0.7 yr
Last formal update 01 Dec 2025