Investigation into Letby Hospital Staff Expands to Gross Negligence Manslaughter
Cheshire Police widen their investigation related to staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital amid ongoing scrutiny of Lucy Letby's convictions.
Cheshire Constabulary has announced an expansion of its investigation into possible gross negligence manslaughter charges involving staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where nurse Lucy Letby was employed.
The inquiry now includes identified suspects in connection to the deaths of infants that occurred between 2012 and 2016. Letby, aged 35 and from Hereford, is currently serving 15 whole-life sentences after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one victim, over a one-year period from June 2015 to June 2016.
Initially, the police investigation focused on corporate manslaughter related to senior management's decision-making at the hospital, aiming to determine if criminality occurred regarding the response to an elevated number of fatalities.
However, Cheshire Constabulary recently confirmed that the scope of their probe now encompasses the potential gross negligence manslaughter of individuals associated with the case.
In an official statement, the police emphasized the importance of distinguishing between corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter, stating that the latter pertains to the grossly negligent actions or inactions of individuals.
Although suspects have been identified and notified, further details regarding the number and identities of those involved remain undisclosed, as no arrests or formal charges have been made.
The police stress that these developments do not affect Letby's convictions for murder and attempted murder.
Ongoing investigations are also focused on the non-fatal medical incidents that occurred in the neonatal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital during the investigation period.
Last month, a panel of international experts in neonatology and pediatric care reported that natural causes, rather than deliberate harm, were responsible for the medical collapses and deaths of the infants.
This assessment has been forwarded to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which is tasked with investigating potential miscarriages of justice and may refer Letby's case back to the Court of Appeal based on the panel's findings.
Additionally, a public inquiry led by Lady Justice Thirlwall into the events surrounding Letby’s actions is scheduled to reconvene in March 2024, with her findings expected to be published later in the year.
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has refrained from commenting on the case due to the ongoing police investigations and the Thirlwall Inquiry.
These incidents follow recent severe cases of violence and criminal activity reported within the UK, including the arrest of several individuals in relation to a fatal shooting in South Wales and a separate case involving teenage girls charged with the manslaughter of a 75-year-old man in a bus stop attack.
The inquiry now includes identified suspects in connection to the deaths of infants that occurred between 2012 and 2016. Letby, aged 35 and from Hereford, is currently serving 15 whole-life sentences after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one victim, over a one-year period from June 2015 to June 2016.
Initially, the police investigation focused on corporate manslaughter related to senior management's decision-making at the hospital, aiming to determine if criminality occurred regarding the response to an elevated number of fatalities.
However, Cheshire Constabulary recently confirmed that the scope of their probe now encompasses the potential gross negligence manslaughter of individuals associated with the case.
In an official statement, the police emphasized the importance of distinguishing between corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter, stating that the latter pertains to the grossly negligent actions or inactions of individuals.
Although suspects have been identified and notified, further details regarding the number and identities of those involved remain undisclosed, as no arrests or formal charges have been made.
The police stress that these developments do not affect Letby's convictions for murder and attempted murder.
Ongoing investigations are also focused on the non-fatal medical incidents that occurred in the neonatal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital during the investigation period.
Last month, a panel of international experts in neonatology and pediatric care reported that natural causes, rather than deliberate harm, were responsible for the medical collapses and deaths of the infants.
This assessment has been forwarded to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which is tasked with investigating potential miscarriages of justice and may refer Letby's case back to the Court of Appeal based on the panel's findings.
Additionally, a public inquiry led by Lady Justice Thirlwall into the events surrounding Letby’s actions is scheduled to reconvene in March 2024, with her findings expected to be published later in the year.
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has refrained from commenting on the case due to the ongoing police investigations and the Thirlwall Inquiry.
These incidents follow recent severe cases of violence and criminal activity reported within the UK, including the arrest of several individuals in relation to a fatal shooting in South Wales and a separate case involving teenage girls charged with the manslaughter of a 75-year-old man in a bus stop attack.
