The authorities has confirmed it’s launching a statutory inquiry into the case of killer nurse Lucy Letby.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay stated the inquiry will “examine the cases’ wider circumstances”, together with “the conduct of the wider NHS and its regulators”.
In a press release to the House of Commons on Monday, the minister additionally confirmed the inquiry shall be led by the skilled Court of Appeal choose, Lady Justice Kathryn Thirlwall.
Letby, 33, was convicted final month of the homicide of seven infants and the tried homicide of six extra whereas working as a neonatal nurse.
She was sentenced to 14 whole-life orders – which means she’s going to by no means be launched from jail.
Following Letby’s sentencing, the federal government introduced an inquiry.
Ministers beforehand stated “after careful consideration”, a non-statutory inquiry into the circumstances on the Countess of Chester Hospital “was found to be the most appropriate option”.
However, Mr Barclay stated final Thursday that the inquiry can be given statutory powers – permitting it to compel witnesses to offer proof below oath.
He confirmed this in a press release to the House of Commons on Monday.
In the assertion, the minister stated: “I cannot begin to imagine the hurt and suffering these families went through.
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“And I know, from my conversations with them last week, that the trial brought these emotions back to the surface.
“Concerningly, they had been exacerbated by the actual fact the households found new details about these occasions, regarding their youngsters, in the course of the course of the trial.
“We have an obligation to get them the solutions they deserve, to carry folks to account, and to be sure that classes are learnt.
“That is why on the day of conviction I ordered an independent inquiry into the events at the Countess of Chester Hospital, making clear the victim’s families would shape this.”
Mr Barclay stated the households had “made it clear” to him that they needed a statutory inquiry, with the “power to compel witnesses” to offer proof below oath.
“That is why I’m confirming this to the House today,” he added.
Mr Barclay stated a part of the inquiry would look into the response by the belief operating the Countess of Chester Hospital to clinicians who raised issues about Letby’s conduct earlier than her arrest.
Source: information.sky.com”