A senior doctor who led the neonatal unit where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies has told a public inquiry of his deep regret, stating he wished medical staff had been “brave enough” to act on their suspicions earlier.
Dr John Gibbs, a retired consultant who served as the lead clinician for the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016, gave evidence to the Thirlwall Inquiry. He described the process of reviewing expert reports into the deaths as “grim reading” when viewed with the benefit of hindsight.
The inquiry, currently being held at Liverpool Town Hall, is examining the institutional failures that allowed Letby to continue working despite concerns raised by consultants. Letby was previously convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder several others during her time at the hospital.
Dr Gibbs told the hearing that he and his colleagues wished they had been “brave enough” to follow their suspicions about Letby sooner. He admitted that while suspicions regarding Letby’s presence during sudden collapses were discussed among staff, doctors did not follow these suspicions earlier.
The Thirlwall Inquiry, chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall, is investigating why Letby was able to murder seven babies and attempt to murder several others. The lead clinician’s testimony highlighted his regret regarding the timing of the medical staff’s response as the number of unexplained deaths rose.
Testimony and hindsight
During his testimony, Dr Gibbs reflected on the timeline of events that led to Letby’s eventual removal from the ward. He expressed that he wished he and his colleagues had acted on their suspicions sooner.
Dr Gibbs noted that reviewing the expert reports and findings from the case was “grim reading,” reinforcing his reflections on the outcome of the events at the hospital.
The public hearings at Liverpool Town Hall are expected to continue as the inquiry hears from other members of the management team and medical staff involved during the 2015-2016 period. The inquiry maintains a dedicated website where transcripts and evidence are published daily for public record.
