Letby consultant says inquiry report makes for grim reading
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Dr John Gibbs, a consultant paediatrician at the Countess of Chester Hospital, told the BBC the Thirlwall Inquiry report makes for grim reading. He said consultants should have escalated suspicions about Lucy Letby to police earlier. Letby is serving 15 whole-life terms for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more.
Key Facts
- The Thirlwall Inquiry report found police should have been notified earlier about concerns over Lucy Letby.
- Dr John Gibbs worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital throughout 2015-2016, when Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to murder seven more.
- Letby is serving 15 whole-life terms and has twice been denied permission to appeal.
- Hospital managers repeatedly dismissed consultants' concerns about Letby, according to the inquiry report.
Consultant's Reaction
Dr John Gibbs told the BBC the final inquiry report makes for grim reading. He said he wished consultants had been brave enough to follow suspicions and escalate to police earlier. Gibbs accepted collective responsibility for failings identified in the report. He said he felt they failed the babies and apologised to the families.
Inquiry Findings
The Thirlwall Inquiry report found police should have been notified earlier than they were. Hospital managers repeatedly dismissed consultants' concerns about Letby. The report found hospital executives had multiple opportunities to act and potentially save babies' lives. Gibbs described the 11 months after Letby was moved off the unit as very difficult, tense, and stressful in dealing with managers.
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