Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt suggests earlier detection of Lucy Letby’s crimes could have saved lives
Chester: The tragic events involving nurse Lucy Letby could have been caught sooner. Jeremy Hunt, the former Health Secretary, shared this during a public inquiry.
He expressed his sorrow to the families affected, admitting that these horrific acts happened while he was in charge of the NHS. Letby, who is 35, was found guilty of murdering seven babies and trying to kill seven more between 2015 and 2016.
Hunt mentioned that having independent medical examiners could have helped connect the dots earlier. This idea has been suggested in past healthcare inquiries, but it took a while to implement.
He noted that since last September, all deaths not investigated by a coroner are reviewed by NHS medical examiners. This system aims to provide families with an independent voice and help identify issues in care.
Letby is now serving 15 life sentences after her conviction. Hunt reflected on his time as health secretary, wishing he had done more to change the NHS’s target-driven culture, which he believes contributed to the problems.
During the inquiry, a former hospital chief executive denied warning a doctor to stay away from colleagues who suspected Letby. This adds another layer to the complex situation surrounding the hospital’s handling of the case.
Letby was moved to non-clinical duties after concerns were raised, but it took time for the police to get involved. The inquiry is set to conclude next week, with findings expected in 2025.
