Lucy Letby inquiry upgraded statutory Health Secretary announces

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Health Secretary Steve Barclay has announced that the inquiry into serial killer Lucy Letby's crimes will become statutory. This means that the inquiry will have legal powers to compel witnesses, including former and current staff of the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust, to provide evidence.

This decision comes after Letby, 33, was sentenced to a whole-life term for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more. Mr. Barclay expressed his sympathy for the families of Letby's victims and stated that the nature of the inquiry was shaped by their input.

The upcoming statutory public inquiry aims to examine the broader context of events at the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust, including the handling of concerns and governance. It will also scrutinize the measures taken by regulators and the wider NHS. The specific scope of the inquiry's investigation will be outlined in the terms of reference, which will be published soon.

The Government plans to appoint a judge to chair the inquiry, and the Health and Social Care Secretary is working with colleagues across Government to identify a suitable candidate as soon as possible.

The decision to make the inquiry statutory follows pressure from the bereaved families and their lawyers. Previously, the Government had stated that a non-statutory inquiry was the most appropriate option. Lawyers representing the families of Letby's victims have welcomed the announcement, stating that without the legal powers of a statutory inquiry, the investigation would have been ineffective.

Dr. Ravi Jayaram, one of the doctors who raised concerns about Letby to senior managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital, expressed his satisfaction with the decision. He believes that a public inquiry will leave no stone unturned and ensure that difficult or embarrassing questions are asked and answered.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting also welcomed the news, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable. Matthew Taylor, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation, stated that NHS leaders support the inquiry and believe that lessons must be learned from the events in Chester.

Parliamentary and health service ombudsman Rob Behrens stressed the need for the inquiry to uncover how Letby was able to carry out her crimes for two years before her employer raised concerns with the police. He also called for a thorough, independent review of NHS leadership, accountability, and culture, with cross-party support.

FutureCar Staff