Lady Justice Thirlwall appointed to lead the statutory public inquiry

By Tamlin Bolton

Published September 04, 2023In: Clinical Negligence, Clinical Negligence - Pregnancy and Birth, Thirlwall Inquiry

Switalskis Solicitors, who represent the families of 7 babies who were victims of Lucy Letby, give their reaction to the news that Lady Justice Thirlwall has been appointed to lead the Inquiry.

All requests for interviews and further information should be directed to Scala – 0114 4070159

Steve Barclay, Health Secretary has today announced that Lady Justice Thirlwall will lead the Statutory Public Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the allegations made about Lucy Letby and associated deaths and severe decline in health in babies on her shifts on the Unit at Countess of Chester Hospital.

Tamlin Bolton, Solicitor at Switalskis Solicitors, who currently represents the families of 7 of Letby’s victims said,

“It is fair to say that the horrific crimes committed by Letby have led to many more questions requiring vital answers so that the families involved can begin to process the events that have taken place. Given what is in the public domain so far around the circumstances of Letby’s crimes, it is imperative that the families affected are heard if they are to have the highest confidence in the process. That’s why we are delighted that the families will be working with Lady Justice Thirlwall to help shape the terms of reference of the inquiry, which will specifically consider the Trust’s response to the clinicians who raised the alarm about Letby.

We hope that the Trust demonstrate honesty and co-operation during the process and, ultimately, take accountability for what has happened. We understand how difficult this inquiry will be for the families involved and will continue to support them through the inquiry and with their civil claims against the Trust.

We can only hope that this Statutory Public Inquiry will result in robust systems being implemented to ensure nothing like this can happen again and to restore any kind of trust in the NHS.”

We invite anyone who has been affected by care received at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Countess of Chester Hospital or Liverpool Women’s Hospital, to reach out and make contact with us so that we can advise you on your particular circumstances and begin to support you with our specialist knowledge and expertise. Call 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com