Detecting Homicide in Hospital

The Beverly Allitt case and the subsequent inquiry have focused attention on the detection of covert hospital homicide. Effective investigation can only take place if there is prompt recognition of circumstances that justify suspicion about a death and immediate action is taken to retrieve potentially vital evidence. The hospital itself must take responsibility for the detection of covert homicide. Confidence that such deaths will be uncovered by 'routine' investigation through the existing coroner system, including post-mortem examination, is misplaced.