What's happened
Inquests into five babies who died at Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015-16 are on hold amid ongoing investigations into Lucy Letby's crimes. The hearings are scheduled for September, pending the Thirlwall Inquiry report, which examines how Letby committed her crimes. The CPS has declined further charges after reviewing police evidence.
What's behind the headline?
The suspension of the inquests reflects the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the deaths of these infants. The delay underscores the complexity of the case, which involves both criminal convictions and investigations into hospital practices. The Thirlwall Inquiry's forthcoming report will be pivotal in revealing how Letby was able to carry out her crimes undetected for so long. This case highlights systemic vulnerabilities in neonatal care, prompting calls for stricter oversight and improved safety protocols. The decision by the CPS not to pursue further charges despite police evidence suggests a cautious approach, possibly influenced by the challenges of establishing direct causation in medical settings. The case will likely influence future hospital safeguarding policies and legal standards for medical accountability.
What the papers say
Sky News and The Independent provide detailed accounts of the inquests' suspension and the ongoing investigations. Sky News emphasizes the procedural aspects, noting the scheduled hearings and the impact of the Thirlwall Inquiry. The Independent highlights the broader context, including Letby's convictions and the hospital's response to concerns raised in 2016. Both sources agree on the significance of the delayed inquests and the importance of the upcoming inquiry report, but differ slightly in tone—Sky News focusing on procedural updates, The Independent on systemic implications and legal considerations. This contrast illustrates the multifaceted nature of the case, blending legal proceedings with public health concerns.
How we got here
Lucy Letby, a nurse at Countess of Chester Hospital, was convicted in 2024 of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill seven others. The case prompted a public inquiry into how she was able to commit her crimes, with the Thirlwall Inquiry due to publish its report after Easter. The inquests into the babies' deaths were initially opened in 2015-16 but were suspended as criminal proceedings took precedence. The CPS reviewed police evidence related to additional cases but decided not to pursue further charges, citing insufficient evidence. The case has drawn significant media attention and raised questions about hospital oversight and patient safety.
Go deeper
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Lucy Letby (born 4 January 1990) is a British former neonatal nurse who was convicted of the murders of seven infants and the attempted murders of seven others between June 2015 and June 2016. Letby came under investigation following a high number of...
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The Countess of Chester Hospital is the main NHS hospital for the English city of Chester and the surrounding area. It currently has 625 beds, general medical departments and a 24-hour accident and emergency unit. It is managed by the Countess of Chester.