A solicitor representing seven families affected by Lucy Letby's crimes has attributed the delay in contacting the police to hospital executives. Tamlin Bolton stated that responsibility for this delay "lies squarely" with leaders at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
The Thirlwall Inquiry report, published on Tuesday, revealed that hospital bosses repeatedly failed in their duty of candour to parents, investigators, and regulators. Bolton noted that each of the report's 1,100 pages presented "another opportunity where action could have been taken."
Former hospital executives named in the report have issued a joint statement, indicating they are reviewing the findings and recommendations. They added that they could not comment further due to ongoing investigations.
Lucy Letby, 36, is serving 15 whole-life prison terms for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven others, with offences taking place between 2015 and 2016. Concerns raised by consultants were not reported to police until May 2017.