The Thirlwall Inquiry has heard evidence from Dr Elizabeth Newby and Dr Murthy Saladi, consultant paediatricians who both worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital when Letby worked as a neonatal nurse. Both doctors gave testimony on the breakdown of trust between hospital staff and management, and how this contributed to missed opportunities to address concerns in the neonatal unit.

Dr Newby described a growing sense of unease within the hospital as unexpected baby deaths mounted in 2015-2016. She highlighted the adversarial relationship between doctors and nurses, noting that tensions were exacerbated by a lack of support from senior management. She expressed frustration over the absence of safeguarding training for situations involving concerns about fellow staff members, stating that she had never received guidance on how to raise issues if she suspected a colleague might be deliberately harming patients.

Reflecting on the sudden increase in neonatal deaths, Dr Newby shared the shock and disbelief felt by medical staff. "It was completely out of normality that we should have so many deaths on the [neonatal] unit," she said. "There was an air of disbelief about it”she told the Inquiry, emphasising how the scale of the tragedies had left staff struggling to comprehend the situation.

Dr Murthy Saladi supported this account, sharing that in 2016, hospital management sought a review of the neonatal unit by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). However, he revealed that senior managers were concerned about potential media attention if police were involved too soon. He recalled being told that the police would only be called if the review confirmed a problem.

By 2017, the relationship between hospital staff and management had completely deteriorated. Dr Saladi testified that the Trust used the RCPCH review to discredit the department, implying that the collapses and deaths were due to poor management rather than other underlying causes.

In his testimony, Dr Saladi offered an apology to the families, acknowledging the profound regret he feels for not being able to prevent the deaths. “It is a guilty feeling that I carry and I think I will carry for the rest of my life," he said, reflecting on the lasting impact of these tragic events.

Tamlin Bolton , senior associate solicitor representing a large proportion of the families involved in the Inquiry comments:

"The testimony from Drs. Newby and Saladi at the Thirlwall Inquiry reveals a troubling picture of how systemic failures and a lack of proper support contributed to the unimaginable losses experienced by so many families. The parents I represent have waited far too long for answers and accountability. They deserve transparency regarding how these tragedies unfolded and a commitment to ensuring that no other families endure similar heartache in the future."