Lucy Letby inquiry upgraded to statutory

author: FutureCar Staff    

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

This decision comes shortly after Letby 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 inquiry's nature would be shaped by their input.

After discussing with the families, it has been decided to launch a full statutory inquiry with the aim of providing the families with the answers they need and ensuring lessons are learned. The upcoming inquiry will examine the broader context of events at the Trust, including the handling of concerns and governance, as well as scrutinizing the measures taken by regulators and the wider NHS.

The specific scope of the inquiry's investigation will be outlined in the forthcoming publication of its terms of reference. The Government plans to appoint a judge to chair the inquiry and is working 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, who believed that a non-statutory inquiry would not be effective. Lawyers representing the families of Letby's victims have welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the need for the inquiry to have the power to compel witnesses and force disclosure of documents.

Dr. Ravi Jayaram, one of the doctors who helped catch Letby by raising concerns to senior managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital, expressed relief that the inquiry will now be a public inquiry, ensuring that all necessary questions will be asked and answered. Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting also welcomed the news, emphasizing the importance of getting to the truth of this tragedy.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, stated that NHS leaders will support the inquiry in whatever way they can, as it is vital to learn lessons from the events in Chester. Parliamentary and health service ombudsman Rob Behrens also stressed the need for an inquiry to uncover the truth and called for a thorough, independent review of NHS leadership, accountability, and culture with cross-party support.

FutureCar Staff