Inquiry Hears “Lack of Evidence” Prevented Letby Referral to Nursing Regulator

A public inquiry has been informed that Lucy Letby was not reported to the nursing regulatory body, despite concerns being brought to the attention of hospital management, due to a “lack of evidence” suggesting she might be responsible for infant deaths. In June 2016, medical staff within the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital voiced their concerns following the fatalities of two triplet boys. The Thirlwall Inquiry learned that on July 6, 2016, the director of nursing contacted Tony Newman, an employer link representative for the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Mr. Newman testified at the hearing that Alison Kelly informed him of an increase in infant mortality, but she did not state that a nurse was suspected of intentionally harming infants. The inquiry, taking place at Liverpool Town Hall, is investigating the circumstances related to the serial killer’s offenses. It was previously disclosed that senior management chose to initiate multiple reviews into the rise of infant deaths on the neonatal unit rather than contacting law enforcement. Mr. Newman informed the inquiry that Ms. Kelly had emphasized the surge in infant deaths on the neonatal unit and stated that no medical incompetence had been identified. He reported that she mentioned one registrant was present during almost all the occurrences. The inquiry was told that she had conveyed to him that certain clinicians harbored concerns that the registrant might pose a significant danger to public safety, despite the absence of supporting evidence. Mr. Newman stated that he recommended to Ms. Kelly that the health trust conduct its own “local” investigation and informed her that there was “no allegation and no evidence” to justify a fitness to practice referral for Letby. He further stated: “There was no allegation made on the call. Alison never said to me, ‘we suspect she could be deliberately harming babies’.” “Had she said that it would have set off all sorts of alarm bells and we probably would have said, even with a lack of evidence, we would have recommended a referral at the time so we could contact the police.” “The key aspect of the Nursing and Midwifery Council is to protect the public but in order to do that we need clear information and evidence to restrict someone’s practice.” Letby is currently serving 15 whole-life sentences, having been found guilty of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016, including two attempts on one of her victims. Following her convictions, Letby, 34, who hails from Hereford, had her nursing credentials revoked and was removed from the register during an NMC fitness to practice hearing in December 2023. The inquiry is scheduled to recommence in January to hear its concluding two weeks of evidence, with its findings anticipated for publication in autumn 2025.