Thirwall enquiry terms of reference published

The terms of reference for the statutory inquiry following the horrific murders and attempted murders committed by Lucy Letby have been published.

The Thirlwall Inquiry has been set up to examine events at the Countess of Chester Hospital and their implications following the trial, and subsequent convictions of Letby.

It will have legal powers to compel witnesses, including former and current staff of the Countess of Chester, to give evidence. It also means evidence must be heard in public, unless the Chair decides otherwise.

The inquiry will cover three broad areas:

The experiences of the parents of the babies named in the indictment

The conduct of clinical and non-clinical staff and management, as well as governance and escalation processes in relation to concerns being raised about Letby and whether these structures contributed to the failure to protect babies from her

The effectiveness of governance, external scrutiny and professional regulation in keeping babies in hospital safe, including consideration of NHS culture

It will not review the jury’s verdicts and will make no findings regarding liability in civil proceedings.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

"Losing a child is the greatest sorrow any parent can experience, and I cannot begin to imagine the hurt and suffering experienced by the families affected by Lucy Letby’s horrific crimes.

"We have a duty to get them the answers they deserve, to hold people to account where they need to be, and to make sure lessons are learned.

"These terms of reference have been agreed following engagement with the families, and I am confident Lady Justice Thirlwall will ensure their voices are heard as the inquiry gets underway."

Lady Justice Thirlwall, who was appointed to head the enquiry in September, is one of the country’s most senior judges and currently sits in the Court of Appeal.

The inquiry is currently setting up its infrastructure at pace so that it can begin its investigations.