Response to the Lucy Letby trial
Following the outcome of the trial of Lucy Letby, the thoughts of all at Gloucestershire Hospitals are with the families affected who have suffered such unimaginable pain and distress.
These unspeakable crimes have shocked and sickened staff across the NHS and Gloucestershire Hospitals, just as they have the entire nation. These acts were a profound betrayal of patient trust, and we recognise how distressed and concerned this has left patients, families and staff feeling.
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that there will be an independent, non-statutory inquiry into the events at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to ensure that any lessons are learned.
We would like to reassure our past, present and future parents and families that steps continue to be taken across the NHS to keep patients safe. Although these appalling crimes were the actions of a single individual, this case is a stark reminder of how important it is that the NHS listens carefully to the concerns of patients, families and staff.
We encourage families to speak freely to our team with any concerns that they may have, as well as to share their experiences with other parents of babies on the unit. We are also reinforcing to our staff the routes they can take to express any concerns that they may have. Parents, families and staff can request time with our Neonatal Unit’s Clinical Psychologist by either speaking to the psychologist directly or by asking one of our Neonatal Team to refer them.
We want everyone to feel safe and confident to speak up. If you have any questions or concerns about the care we are providing or you need to raise a safety concern at our Trust, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). You can reach them on 0800 019 3282 or by emailing ghn-tr.pals.gloshospitals@nhs.net
Support organisations
Details of parent and carer support organisations are available on our neonatal unit page
These trusted national external support organisations are offering support to families affected by this news.