Fatal incidents FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ombudsman’s investigations of deaths

1. What deaths are investigated by the Ombudsman?
2. How do I request that the Ombudsman investigates a death?
3. How is the investigation carried out?
4. Will I be kept informed of the progress of the investigation?
5. What happens at the end of the investigation?
6. What if I disagree with the findings of the report?

1. What deaths are investigated by the Ombudsman?

We investigate all deaths that occur in prison, probation approved premises or immigration removal centres, whatever the cause of death. Additionally, the Ombudsman may decide to investigate a death that occurs after release from prison or removal centre, where the care and service provided might be an issue.

2. How do I request that the Ombudsman investigates a death?

You don’t have to. We are automatically informed every time a death in custody occurs. The Ombudsman then appoints an investigator from the Fatal Incidents Group to look into the circumstances of the death.

3. How is the investigation carried out?

The investigator finds out as much as possible about what was happening to the person before their death. This includes examining all the relevant documents and policies, together with interviews with relevant staff and prisoners or residents if required. The local Primary Care Trust will carry out a clinical review of the healthcare given to the person before their death.

4. Will I be kept informed of the progress of the investigation?

A family liaison officer will be assigned to the the bereaved family. Their job is to enable the family to be involved in the Ombudsman investigation, to answer thier questions and keep them informed of the progress of the investigation.

5. What happens at the end of the investigation?

After the investigation is completed, a report is produced that outlines our findings. It may also recommend changes to improve the quality of care given in the future. After the inquest into the death, an anonymised version of the report will be published on this website.

6. What if I disagree with the findings of the report?

The bereaved family will receive a draft version of the report at the end of the investigation so the family can respond with thier comments. These will be taken on board and fed into our final report. We will send them a copy of the final report and will tell the them where and why any changes have been made.