Letby inquiry given legal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence
The UK government has announced the inquiry into the murders and attempted murders committed by Lucy Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital will become statutory.
The announcement comes after criticism from families impacted by the horrific crimes of the former neonatal nurse that the initial inquiry will not go far enough.
The inquiry aims to provide answers to the parents and families impacted and ensure that vital lessons are learned.
It will investigate the wider circumstances surrounding the Trust, including the handling of concerns and governance, and the actions taken by regulators and the wider NHS.
Following a meeting with the families yesterday, the government “has acted swiftly” to respect their wishes and put the inquiry on a legal footing.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“The crimes committed by Lucy Letby are truly harrowing, and my thoughts remain with the families of her victims.”
“Following her conviction, we announced an inquiry and said the nature of this inquiry would be shaped by the families.”
“Having now discussed this with the families, we will launch a full statutory inquiry giving it the legal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence.”
“This statutory public inquiry will aim to give the families the answers they need and ensure lessons are learned.”
The statutory inquiry will investigate the wider circumstances around what happened at the Trust, including the handling of concerns and governance. It will also look at what actions were taken by regulators and the wider NHS.
We will publish the inquiry’s terms of reference – setting out the scope of the work – in due course.
The government has indicated that it will look to appoint a judge to chair the inquiry, and the Health and Social Care Secretary is working with colleagues across the government to identify a suitable candidate as soon as possible.
Letby, aged 33, received a whole life sentence after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others during her time at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016.
She will remain in prison for the rest of her life.
