One of the country’s most senior judges will lead the inquiry into serial killer nurse Lucy Letby’s crimes, the Health Secretary has said.
Steve Barclay told MPs Lady Justice Thirlwall has “many years of experience” as a senior judge and senior barrister.
The inquiry will have legal powers to compel witnesses, including former and current staff of the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where Letby worked and killed, to provide evidence.
Letby, 33, was last month sentenced to a whole-life term for murdering seven babies and trying to murder six more.
Making a statement to the House of Commons, Mr Barclay said: “This inquiry will examine the case’s wider circumstances, including the (hospital) trust’s response to clinicians who raised the alarm and the conduct of the wider NHS and its regulators.
“I can confirm to the House that Lady Justice Thirlwall will lead this inquiry.
“She is one of the country’s most senior judges, currently sitting in the Court of Appeal and with many years of experience as a senior judge and a senior barrister before that.”
He added: “I have raised with Lady Justice Thirlwall that the families should work with her to shape the terms of reference.
“We hope to finalise these in the next couple of weeks so the inquiry can start the consultation as soon as possible.
“I have also discussed with Lady Justice Thirlwall the families’ desire for the inquiry to take place in phases so it provides answers to vital questions as soon as possible.”
