P2-23 Response Accepted

Independent sector accompanied access to deceased

Recommendation

Independent sector healthcare providers should ensure that only people who have a legitimate reason to access a room that contains a deceased patient do so, even if they are staff members, and that they are always accompanied.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
- The government stated in December 2025 that this recommendation on access controls for independent sector mortuaries was accepted in full. The HTA is working with the independent sector on implementation. Full government response due Summer 2026 (Government Interim Update on Fuller Inquiry Phase 2, DHSC, 16 December 2025).
Sources
How was this evidence gathered?
Evidence searched by Claude (Anthropic) on 10 Apr 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
This recommendation applies across many organisations. The evidence above reflects central policy activity; adoption in individual organisations may vary.
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 Access Accompanied Deceased
Recommendation age 0.9 yr
Last formal update 01 Dec 2025