In a heart-wrenching development in the Lucy Letby inquiry, the parents of the accused neonatal nurse wrote to hospital executives expressing their “intolerable anguish” over the police investigation into their daughter. The public inquiry, currently underway in Liverpool, is examining the events surrounding Letby’s alleged crimes at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Parents Plead for “Urgent Meeting” with Hospital Bosses
According to testimony at the inquiry, John and Susan Letby sent an impassioned email to the hospital’s then board chair, Sir Duncan Nichol, two months after Cheshire constabulary began investigating an alarming spike in infant deaths on the neonatal ward where their daughter worked in 2015 and 2016.
In the email, the Letbys lamented, “It is now one year since our nightmare began. There is a saying ‘innocent until proven guilty’ but it doesn’t seem to apply to Lucy. She is still the only one of all the staff on the neonatal unit to be singled out for punishment.” The couple requested an “urgent meeting” with senior management to discuss the situation, emphasizing that the “anguish this situation is causing has become intolerable.”
Hospital Chair Did Not Respond to Parents’ Plea
Sir Duncan Nichol, the hospital chair at the time, admitted during the inquiry that he did not respond to the Letbys’ email, which was sent on July 7, 2017, and also addressed to then chief executive Tony Chambers. The lack of response likely only compounded the parents’ distress over their daughter’s predicament.
Letby Moved to Administrative Role Amid Concerns
Lucy Letby, who has since been convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others, was transferred from the neonatal unit to an administrative position in the hospital’s risk and patient safety department in July 2016. This move came after consultant pediatricians raised concerns that she may have intentionally harmed infants in her care.
Sources indicate that Letby believed two consultants, Dr. Stephen Brearey and Dr. Ravi Jayaram, had “orchestrated a campaign” against her, with some doctors on the unit even referring to her as the “angel of death” behind her back. The atmosphere of suspicion and finger-pointing undoubtedly contributed to the emotional turmoil experienced by Letby and her family.
Father’s Fury: Demands for “Instant Dismissal” of Doctors
The inquiry also heard troubling testimony about a meeting between Letby’s parents and chief executive Tony Chambers in December 2016. During this confrontation, Letby’s father reportedly called for the “instant dismissal” of the two consultants who had voiced concerns about his daughter’s conduct.
Chambers described the father as “very angry” and claimed he was “threatening guns to my head and all sorts of things.” In another meeting, Chambers allegedly told the accused nurse, “Lucy, don’t worry, we’ve got your back,” but later clarified to the inquiry that he was trying to de-escalate the situation and avoid further outbursts, “particularly from her father.”
Letby’s Conviction and the Ongoing Inquiry
Despite her parents’ unwavering support and belief in her innocence, Lucy Letby was ultimately convicted of the murders and attempted murders of thirteen infants at the Countess of Chester hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. She received 15 whole-life orders at her sentencing.
As the public inquiry continues to unravel the tragic events surrounding Letby’s crimes, the anguished pleas of her parents serve as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of such horrific acts. The inquiry is expected to conclude in early 2025, with findings released later that year. The ultimate goal is to uncover the truth, learn from any systemic failings, and ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again.
