The NHS has instructed all health trusts to review mortuary access following the case of David Fuller, a hospital electrician who admitted sexually assaulting dead bodies. Fuller, 67, pleaded guilty to murdering two women in 1987 and later committed dozens of sexual offences against corpses, including victims aged from nine to 100, in hospital mortuaries in Kent.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced three key actions: an NHS letter to all trusts asking for mortuary access and post-mortem activities to be reviewed against current guidance; an independent review led by Sir Jonathan Michael into what occurred at the trust; and a request to the Human Tissue Authority for advice on potential regulatory changes.
Fuller gained access to bodies through his role as an NHS maintenance worker. He filmed the attacks at mortuaries in the now-closed Kent and Sussex Hospital and the Tunbridge Wells Hospital, where he had worked since 1989. The crimes were uncovered after his arrest for the 1987 murders of Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, following a DNA breakthrough.
Mr Javid said: 'My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims of these horrific acts, as well as all those working in the NHS Trust and wider health service who, like me, will be profoundly shaken by the unspeakable nature of these offences.' NHS trusts have been asked to urgently review practices including CCTV coverage, swipe access, risk assessment, and DBS checks.
