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Doctor regrets not going to police earlier about Lucy Letby
Overview
Dr Stephen Brearey, the lead neonatal consultant at the Countess of Chester Hospital during Lucy Letby's crimes, has stated in his first interview since the Thirlwall Inquiry report that he regrets not going to the police sooner. He admitted to naively assuming senior managers would act on suspicions when concerns were raised in 2015 and 2016. Cheshire Police was not called until May 2017, and Letby was not arrested until July 2018. Brearey highlighted a lack of psychological support for staff following her arrest and expressed skepticism about how quickly necessary cultural changes can be implemented across the NHS.
Key points
- Dr Stephen Brearey admitted he should have gone to the police sooner regarding nurse Lucy Letby.
- Brearey stated he naively believed senior hospital managers would properly respond to concerns raised in 2015 and 2016.
- Cheshire Police were not asked to investigate the infant deaths and collapses until May 2017, and Letby was arrested in July 2018.
- The Thirlwall Inquiry found a 'toxic negativity' within the NHS that discouraged staff from speaking out.
- Brearey noted a lack of psychological support for traumatised staff members following Letby's arrest.
- The inquiry made 17 recommendations, including CCTV for cots and incubators, which Brearey believes would have hastened alarms.