Lucy Letby inquest gave power to compel witnesses to testify

After criticism from victims' families, Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced on Wednesday that the inquiry would be turned into a statutory inquiry, "giving him legal power to compel witnesses". '

The government announced that the inquiry would be turned into a full statutory inquiry (

Image: Cheshire Police/AFP via Ge)

The investigation into the crimes of serial killer Lucy Letby will be strengthened and given the power to compel witnesses, the government has announced.

This comes after the former neonatal nurse was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and six counts of attempted murder.

Last week, Health Secretary Steve Barclay ordered an independent investigation into the case to ensure parents and families "get the answers they need". But following criticism from the families of the victims, Mr Barclay announced on Wednesday that the inquiry would be turned into a full statutory inquiry.

He will now have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence under oath, including current and former members of the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust, where 33-year-old Letby worked.

In a statement, Mr Barclay said: “The crimes committed by Lucy Letby are truly harrowing, and my thoughts are with the families of her victims. “Following his conviction, we announced an inquest and said the nature of that inquest would be shaped by the families.

“After discussing this with the families, we will launch a full statutory inquiry giving him the legal powers to compel witnesses to testify.” This statutory public inquiry will aim to give the families the answers they need and to ensure that lessons are learned. learned."

The Department of Health and Social Care said the inquiry would look into the circumstances of the murders and attempted murders. They added that the decision to improve the inquest will also mean that evidence will have to be heard in person - unless the chairman of the inquest decides otherwise.

Richard Scorer, head of abuse law and public inquiries at law firm Slater and Gordon, which represents two of the families, said: "We welcome the government's announcement that the inquiry into Lucy Letby will be turned into a statutory inquiry.< /p>

“It is essential that the Presidency have the power to compel witnesses to testify under oath and to compel the disclosure of documents. Without these powers, the investigation would have been ineffective and our clients would have been denied the answers they requested. what we need and deserve. "This investigation is essential for the parents of Letby's victims, but it is also important for all of us.

“We all need to be sure that the NHS provides the best possible care, that hospital management is accountable and responsive to concerns, and that whistleblowers are treated fairly. happened at the Countess of Chester hospital to reproduce. will happen again. This investigation must lay bare the facts about what happened, but it must also be the start of much needed change."

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