In a progress update from the Independent Inquiry set up by the Health Secretary following Fuller’s conviction last year, chairman Sir Jonathan Michael says the first phase of the inquiry is ‘firmly under way’.
But he added: “Because the Inquiry has already received a greater volume of evidence than had been expected, the initial report is now expected to be published later in 2022 rather than in the middle of the year as anticipated.”
This initial report is set to focus on evidence received from relatives and colleagues of Fuller to consider how the mortuary offences could have taken place without detection, what lessons the Trust could learn and to address the most likely questions of the victims’ families and key stakeholders.
David Fuller, 68, is serving two whole life terms for the 1987 murders of Tunbridge Wells women Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20.
He is also serving an additional 12 years in prison for abusing more than 100 dead bodies in mortuaries at Tunbridge Wells Hospital and its forerunner the Kent and East Sussex Hospital.
In his progress update, published last week, Sir Jonathan says the inquiry has been hearing from the families of Fuller’s victims since March.
The inquiry is also looking into how Fuller could gain access to the mortuary in his role as an electrician.
Evidence has been supplied from contractors Interserve Group and Mitie Group, which had responsibility for facilities management at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, and for whom Fuller had worked.
Sir Jonathan said that the inquiry was aiming to publish its final report, looking at the broader national picture and the wider lessons for the NHS and other settings, at some point in 2023.
