An inquiry into how former nurse Lucy Letby was able to murder babies at a neonatal unit over two years is set to begin.
Letby, 34, was sentenced to 15 whole-life orders after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others in two separate trials.
The inquiry, starting Tuesday at Liverpool Town Hall, will focus on the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit, where Letby worked between 2015 and 2016. Concerns were raised by consultants who suspected Letby might be behind a series of unexplained deaths before her arrest.
Tamlin Bolton, a senior associate solicitor at Switalskis, representing the victims’ families, said, “The families we represent have endured unimaginable heartbreak. This inquiry is critical for understanding how Letby was able to harm 18 babies before being removed from the unit. It’s the first time these families will hear how Letby was allowed to continue her actions for so long. This inquiry is also vital for restoring public confidence in NHS maternity and neonatal services.”
Lady Justice Thirlwall, a senior court of appeal judge, is leading the inquiry. It will review the parents’ experiences, the hospital staff’s conduct, and whether earlier action could have prevented the harm. The inquiry will also assess the overall NHS culture and the effectiveness of its management and governance. The investigation is expected to last about four months, with a report due next year.
Meanwhile, a group of leading neonatal experts and statisticians has called for the government to reconsider the terms of the public inquiry. In a letter to ministers, the 24 experts expressed concerns that the inquiry’s narrow focus might prevent a thorough review of potential negligent deaths misinterpreted as murders in the neonatal ward.
The families of the victims have been distressed by reports questioning Letby’s convictions, with Bolton noting the emotional toll on those he represents. Additionally, a medical witness in the case reported being attacked by someone with “pro-Letby beliefs,” according to the Sunday Times.
Cheshire Police have confirmed they are investigating the assault involving a witness from the Letby case.
