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Lucy Letby inquiry hears hospital managers were ‘disbelieving’ of concerns over killer nurse

Two senior managers at the Countess of Chester Hospital were “disbelieving” of concerns raised by doctors that nurse Lucy Letby could be deliberately harming babies, a public inquiry has heard. Medical director Ian Harvey and director of nursing Alison Kelly were interviewed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) as part of an independent probe ordered by the health trust in response to the allegations.
Consultants Dr Stephen Brearey and Dr Ravi Jayaram told the RCPCH review team they were worried about the way collapses of infants in 2015 and 2016 had occurred in a sudden and unexplained manner, noting the association with Letby’s presence. They had even conducted research on how she might have harmed the children, as per the Thirlwall Inquiry into events surrounding Letby’s crimes.
Alex Mancini, a member of the review team, stated that both Mr. Harvey and Ms. Kelly seemed disbelieving of the concerns and suspicions raised by the doctors. The review also revealed that there was a feeling that Mr. Harvey did not want to involve the police in investigating the matter, with Ms. Kelly appearing supportive of Letby. Claire McLaughlan, another reviewer, shared that she had underestimated the gravity of the doctors’ information and acknowledged assertions that Letby was being unfairly blamed.
The inquiry further heard that the reviews initiated by the hospital’s executive team into the increased mortality at the neonatal unit overshadowed the need to involve the police. Letby was transferred to clerical duties in July 2016 before Cheshire Police was eventually called in to investigate the matter in May 2017.
Letby, who is currently serving 15 whole-life orders after being convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016, faces scrutiny in the ongoing inquiry expected to conclude by early 2025. Dr. David Shortland, the review’s clinical lead, expressed concerns saying the RCPCH probe fell short in addressing the doctors’ aforementioned worries.
Insights and Summary:
The article sheds light on the shocking revelations from the Lucy Letby inquiry, highlighting the disbelief shown by hospital managers towards concerns raised by doctors regarding the killer nurse. The reluctance to involve the police and the failure to address the gravity of the situation underscore the need for a thorough investigation into the institutional response to such serious allegations. The ongoing inquiry serves as a reminder of the importance of taking all concerns regarding patient safety seriously and responding promptly to safeguard vulnerable individuals in healthcare settings.