The findings of the Thirlwall inquiry, which examined how former nurse Lucy Letby was able to murder babies, are expected to be published early this afternoon. The inquiry was established to investigate the conduct of those working at the Countess of Chester Hospital, including managers, nurses, and midwives.
The inquiry considered whether Letby should have been suspended earlier, if police should have been informed sooner, and how managers responded to initial concerns. It also looked at the effectiveness of NHS management and governance structures, and the information parents received about their babies' care.
Letby, now 36, was convicted in 2015 and 2016 of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester hospital. She received 15 whole-life orders and was denied permission to appeal her convictions twice in 2024.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission is currently considering evidence presented on Letby’s behalf by an international panel of medics. This panel claims that poor medical care and natural causes were responsible for the babies' collapses. Letby has consistently maintained her innocence.