The Thirlwall Inquiry
By Tamlin Bolton, Clare Gooch
The culture of Neonatal services must change now - a bold statement delivered by Lady Justice Thirlwall as the Inquiry into the conduct of Letby and the murders she committed was allowed to happen.
Switalskis represent a significant number of the families who were named on the criminal indictment and are proud to assist Lady Justice Thirlwall, with her Inquiry into the crimes of Lucy Letby.
Lady Justice Thirlwall was appointed as Inquiry chair on 4 September 2023 shortly after the conviction of Lucy Letby. She will lead an investigation into the issues surrounding the events that led to Lucy Letby committing the heinous crimes she did.
The terms of reference for then Inquiry have been agreed with the Secretary of State and the families listed on the indictment. The investigation will essentially be split into 3 categories looking at issues specific to the babies listed on the indictment, the conduct of staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital and to consider the wider NHS and safety in all units.
Lady Justice Thirlwall delivered an opening statement yesterday following the launch of the Inquiry website stating that the investigation would be in depth at why this has happened and using Expert’s to help understand some of the intricate and complex details. She explained that a questionnaire has been sent to all units for completion of senior members of staff. A survey has also been sent to all staff in all units for their anonymous feed back on working in these Trusts and units. The aim is to obtain honest feedback about the cultures so that change can be implemented.
Hearings are said to take place in the Autumn of 2024 at the earliest due to 4 other events that will precede these hearings, which include the ongoing Operation Hummingbird, Letby’s appeal and the re-trial set to take place in June 2024.
Lady Justice Thirlwall concluded that change is on the horizon. She commended the parents of those babies murdered or seriously injured who continue to do all they can to ensure no one suffers as they have.
At Switalskis, we hope that the Inquiry will demonstrate honesty and co-operation from not only the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust but the wider NHS group and ultimately result in the Trusts taking some accountability any issues that are identified.
We understand how difficult this inquiry will be and we will continue to support the families we currently represent through the inquiry and with their civil claims.
We would like to reach out and invite families who may have been affected by treatment received at the Unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital or Liverpool Women’s Hospital to get in touch so that we can provide you with advice and begin to support you to.
- Tamlin Bolton, Senior Associate provides her thoughts (9.29)
If you have been affected, contact our specialist medical negligence lawyers on 0800 138 0458 or email: help@switalskis.com
Tamlin has been in the legal sector for over eight years. She is a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team.
Clare has worked in Medical Negligence for over 10 years. She’s a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team based in Switalskis’ London office.
