Letby inquiry: NHS staff want their voices heard

A group representing hundreds of clinicians has applied to contribute to the Lucy Letby inquiry, to challenge NHS culture around whistleblowing.

Their experiences of raising concerns should inform the inquiry, they say.

Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to murder another six while working at the Countess of Chester NHS trust between June 2015 and June 2016.

The public inquiry is examining how the nurse was able to murder and how the hospital handled concerns about her.

"The evidence of this group relating to how whistleblowers are treated, not just at one trust but across the UK, is of huge significance," Rachel di Clemente, of Hudgell Solicitors, acting for the clinicians, said.

The group, NHS Whistleblowers, comprising healthcare professionals across the UK, including current and former doctors, midwives and nurses, has written to Lady Justice Thirlwall's inquiry, asking for them to be formally included as core participants.

The inquiry has stated it will consider NHS culture.

And the group says "a culture detrimental to patient safety" is evident across the health service.

"NHS staff who have bravely spoken up about patient-safety concerns or unethical practices deserve to have their voices heard," Dr Matt Kneale, who co-chairs Doctors' Association UK, which is part of the group, said.

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Source: BBC News, 21 March 2024