Hospital Staff Named Suspects in Corporate Manslaughter Probe Linked to Lucy Letby Case

Several staff members at the Countess of Chester Hospital are now suspects in a police investigation into corporate manslaughter, as Cheshire Police expands its probe to include gross negligence manslaughter, reported REUTERS. The investigation focuses on the hospital’s senior leadership and their response to a concerning rise in deaths, particularly in the neonatal unit where Lucy Letby worked.

Letby was convicted in October 2023 for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others between 2015 and 2016. Since her conviction, she has continued to maintain her innocence, with her legal team seeking to challenge the verdict. Last December, her barrister, Mark McDonald, announced plans to request permission to reopen the case, citing a change of mind by expert witness Dr Dewi Evans. Additionally, a panel of 14 top neonatal experts recently stated there is “no evidence” to support Letby’s conviction for the deaths of the babies.

In the wake of Letby’s trial, Cheshire Police launched an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital, specifically focusing on the decision-making of senior hospital leadership during the rise in fatalities. Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes confirmed that the investigation now also includes gross negligence manslaughter, which targets the actions or inactions of individuals. However, Hughes made it clear that this does not affect Letby’s convictions for murder and attempted murder.

The police have notified individuals identified as suspects, but they have not disclosed the number of people involved or their identities, as no arrests or charges have been made yet. The investigation continues without a set timeline, and authorities are also looking into deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at both the Countess of Chester and Liverpool Women’s Hospitals between 2012 and 2016.

Detective Superintendent Hughes stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigation and supporting the families at the heart of the case. He also urged the public to be mindful of how ongoing coverage could impact the course of justice and further distress the affected families.