Justice for Families
Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced that the Lucy Letby probe, investigating the nurse convicted of murdering seven babies, will now be upgraded to a statutory inquiry. This means that witnesses will be legally required to attend and give evidence, ensuring that families get the answers they need and that lessons are learned from the scandal.
Families Demand Far-Reaching Powers
Families of the victims met with Mr. Barclay to express their concerns about the seriousness of the inquiry. They feared that NHS staff and those involved in the scandal might try to avoid giving evidence, leaving them without important answers. As a result, the inquiry will now have the power to compel witnesses to testify.
Government Funding for the Investigation
The Treasury has approved millions of pounds to fund the upgraded investigation into Lucy Letby. Previous inquiries have cost up to £13 million, but it is hoped that this new probe will provide justice for the victims and their families in a timely manner.
Scope of the Inquiry
The statutory public inquiry will look into the wider circumstances surrounding the scandal and the handling of concerns by the Trust. It will also investigate the actions taken by regulators and the wider NHS. The evidence must be presented in public, unless the judge determines otherwise.
Call for Change
Representatives from the law firm Slater and Gordon, who are assisting some of the families affected, have welcomed the news of the inquiry. They believe it is crucial for the parents of Letby's victims, as well as for the public in general, to ensure that the NHS delivers the best possible care, that hospital management is accountable and responsive, and that whistleblowers are treated fairly. The inquiry must be a catalyst for change to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Lucy Letby's Crimes
Lucy Letby, Britain's most prolific child killer, was found guilty of murdering seven infants and attempting to kill six others during her time at the Countess of Chester Hospital. She used insulin and air to inject newborns, causing the deaths and collapses of 13 children. The collapse of her murderous actions was due to the suspicious increase in the number of babies dying in the hospital. Police are now investigating if Letby may have carried out similar attacks in other hospitals where she worked.
Letby was sentenced to spend her whole life in prison, becoming only the fourth woman in history to receive a whole life tariff.
