Deaths inquiry extended to last three years

A statutory inquiry into deaths of mental health patients will now cover fatalities that took place as late as December 2023.

The inquiry’s investigations are focused “on the trusts which provide NHS mental health inpatient care in Essex”. This includes: “Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust, and the North East London Foundation Trust and their predecessor organisations, where relevant.”

NELFT was not specifically mentioned in the original terms of reference although the inquiry told HSJ it had been within the original scope. The inquiry will also now cover deaths of NHS patients from Essex who died when under the care of private sector providers.

The inquiry’s previous terms of reference covered a period ending in 2020. However, the inquiry’s chair, Baroness Kate Lampard, proposed extending the inquiry’s scope last year due to “ongoing concerns” over services at EPUFT. 

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Lampard Inquiry: Terms of reference

Source: HSJ, 11 April 2024