The findings of a public inquiry into how Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse, was able to murder and harm infants are scheduled for publication. The Thirlwall Inquiry has been examining events at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.
Letby, 36, is currently serving 15 life sentences for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven others. The inquiry's mandate was not to determine Letby's guilt, but rather to investigate how concerns about her conduct were managed by the hospital and whether earlier action could have prevented the harm.
A central question the report may address is whether any babies could have survived or avoided injury if interventions had been made sooner. Letby was reassigned from the neonatal unit to administrative duties in July 2016 following concerns raised by consultants. The inquiry has focused on whether warning signs, such as three infant deaths in quick succession in June 2015, should have triggered earlier responses.
The inquiry, led by senior judge Lady Justice Thirlwall, heard evidence over six months and reviewed thousands of documents. The proceedings incurred costs exceeding £18.5 million. The report is anticipated to identify significant safeguarding failures and propose changes across the National Health Service (NHS).
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which has the authority to refer Letby's case back to the Court of Appeal, has stated it will closely examine the inquiry's report. Letby has been denied permission to appeal her convictions twice previously.
Letby's defense lawyer, Mark McDonald, informed BBC Newsnight that nearly 30 expert reports have been submitted to the CCRC, which he claims undermine the safety of the convictions. He characterized this as more evidence than in any other case in the CCRC's history. McDonald maintains his belief in Letby's innocence, stating that if she is innocent, the inquiry's recommendations are based on a flawed premise.
He also expressed disagreement with claims that his case had been weakened, despite two experts withdrawing from Letby's defense team. Prof Geoff Chase and chemical engineer Helen Shannon reportedly rescinded their involvement due to perceived inconsistencies between the presented arguments and available evidence and scientific findings. McDonald stated he was saddened by their departure but asserted that the experts still believe in Letby's innocence, indicating a disagreement over the strength of their respective arguments.
The inquiry commenced in September 2024, with evidence and submissions concluding in March 2025. The publication of the findings, initially expected in November 2025, has been postponed multiple times. The inquiry's objectives include providing answers for the victims' families and ensuring lessons are learned, occurring approximately 25 years after similar crimes were committed by nurse Beverley Allitt.
The delays have also pushed back the inquests into the babies' deaths to May 2027. In July 2025, three former senior staff members from the Countess of Chester hospital were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. These individuals, who held senior leadership positions between 2015 and 2016, remain on police bail. Cheshire Police had opened an investigation into potential corporate manslaughter at the hospital in 2023, which was expanded in March 2025 to include gross negligence manslaughter. One of the former staff members was re-arrested in April on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, though no charges have been filed.