Government inquiry set to build picture of neonatal unit culture

Lady Justice Thirlwall, a senior court of appeal judge will chair the inquiry to examine events at the Countess of Chester Hospital and their implications following the conviction of former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby. The inquiry will seek feedback from staff working within neonatal units across the NHS. The official start date was 19 October 2023 and the investigation is split into three parts:

• Part A will look into the experiences at the Countess of Chester Hospital of parents on the neonatal unit.

• Part B considers the conduct of staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

• Part C will look at the wider NHS, examining relationships between staff and managers, the culture within hospitals and how these affect safety on neonatal units.

A questionnaire has been sent to every neonatal unit in England as part of the inquiry’s investigation into Part C. The questionnaire asks staff about their experiences on their own neonatal unit. Consideration into barriers for change can be made and will identify the need for profound change in relationships and culture in order for babies on neonatal units to be kept safe and well.

Lady Justice Thirlwall says: “I would strongly encourage all of those working in or with NHS neonatal care, who receive the survey, to take the time to complete it. Each response will play an important part in telling the inquiry what people on the ground really think.”

It is expected that the hearing will take place in September 2024, in accordance with ongoing police investigations.

Find out more here: https://thirlwall.public-inquiry.uk/2024/03/05/building-a-picture-of-the-culture-within-nhs-neonatal-units-inquiry-chair-extends-scope-of-research-programme/