Ambulance policies on deceased security and dignity
NHS ambulance services should also have policies regarding the security and dignity of the deceased, including when the deceased should be covered and/or secured. NHS England should monitor that such policies are in place.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) has written to the Department of Health and Social Care setting out the work they are doing to implement recommendations 31-33. This includes discussing with ambulance service leads to ensure all ambulance services review their policies around managing the deceased and introduce a clear policy if there is none. The AACE suggest that policies include specific wording around the care of the deceased and contain detail and guidance around security and dignity in private and public locations.
Progress Timeline
Accepted in full. The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) has written to DHSC setting out the work they are doing to implement recommendations 31 to 33. This includes discussing with ambulance service leads to ensure all ambulance services review their policies around managing the deceased and introduce a clear policy if there is none currently. AACE suggests that policies include specific wording around care of the deceased and contain detail and guidance around security and dignity in private or public locations. (Source: Interim update on government progress in responding to the Fuller inquiry phase 2 report, December 2025)