22 March 2024 , 20:46
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A doctor at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies says NHS whistleblowers need more protection.
Consultant paediatrician Dr Ravi Jayaram says the system is stacked against those who speak out. Letby’s killing spree went on for a year, despite other members of staff raising concerns about her. At one point, doctors were told to stop making allegations against the nurse – and even apologise in writing.
Dr Jayaram, who works at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Cheshire, said: “If things stay the same, then the behaviours will stay the same. There will continue to be times when people are too scared to raise concerns for fear of personal harm and retribution.” Referring to other NHS scandals in Shropshire, he added: “By not acting now, we’re almost guaranteeing another big NHS scandal... another revelation such as Shrewsbury and Telford.”
Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies last year (Chester Standard / SWNS.com)He also likened the probable scandals to the Post Office IT fiasco, and called for a change to legislation protecting people who see the need to expose wrongdoing. Letby was last year found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. A judge-led inquiry into the case has been set up, with hearings expected to start in the autumn.
Earlier this week NHS Whistleblowers – a group representing hundreds of health workers – asked to contribute to the inquiry. Rachel di Clemente, of Hudgell Solicitors, said: “The evidence of this group relating to how whistleblowers are treated, not just at one trust but across the UK, is of huge significance.”
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Letby, 34, from Hereford, who was sentenced to 14 whole life orders, has asked for permission to appeal against her convictions. Her application will be heard at the Court of Appeal over three days from April 22. The former nurse is also facing a retrial, in June, on an attempted murder charge relating to one baby at the Countess of Chester Hospital.