His Honour Judge John Potter has been appointed to chair the public inquiry into serious failings in mental health care at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV). The inquiry is scheduled to formally begin on 21 September.
The government launched the inquiry in December 2025. Its aim is to establish what happened in the failings, why they occurred, and what changes are needed to help ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper stated that Judge Potter has been asked to deliver a comprehensive report on the issues at the trust's mental health services and the necessary changes. Judge Potter said his first priority will be to meet and listen to those affected, whose voices will be central to the inquiry's work.