Chair hits out at government delay to mental health deaths inquiry
The chair of an inquiry into the deaths of mental health patients in Essex has said she is “disappointed” at a delay in having its scope confirmed by the health secretary.
Baroness Kate Lampard said she has been unable to begin substantive work on the probe while still waiting for sign-off from government.
An inquiry was launched in 2021 to review the deaths of at least 2,000 people in contact with Essex mental health services across a 20-year period.
Baroness Lampard took over as chair last year after it gained new powers to compel people to give evidence, following concerns not enough staff were coming forward.
She has proposed expanding its scope by a further two years until 2022 due to ongoing concerns and to cover NHS patients treated in the private sector.
The final terms of reference will be set by the health secretary Victoria Atkins. Baroness Lampard said she has not heard back from the Department of Health and Social Care on her proposals since submitting them three months ago.
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Source: HSJ, 19 March 2024