From September, medical examiners will be told to scrutinise causes of death which have not been referred to the coroner - five months later than planned
The unprecedented crimes committed by Lucy Letby while working in the NHS provoked widespread shock and anger Last year, the Government announced that medical examiners would investigate causes of death in England and Wales which have not been referred to the coroner.
Medical examiners will have to confirm the proposed cause of death and overall accuracy of the death certificate under the reforms, as well as support any appropriate referrals to the coroner. They will also consult with families or representatives of the dead to give them the chance to ask questions or raise any concerns.
A national system to cross-check all deaths was first recommended two decades ago following a public inquiry into Dr Harold Shipman’s crimes, which found he had killed at least 215 of his patients while working as a a GP in Hyde, Greater Manchester. Since 2019, NHS trusts have appointed medical examiners to scrutinise most deaths in acute healthcare settings and some community settings on a non-statutory basis, but critics say the changes should have been made sooner.during her time as a neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester hospital between 2015 and 2016. A bid to appeal her convictions will be heard in court this month.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Government 'failed' to act on patient safety recommendations, post-Lucy Letby report findsThe report, commissioned by the Health and Social Committee in the wake of the Lucy Letby case, voiced concerns about “delays to take real action”.
Read more »
Lucy Letby hospital consultant warns of another big scandal if whistleblowers aren't protectedDr Ravi Jayaram has described a 'culture of cover-up' he believes has major implications for all institutions, not just the health service, and said many employees are too scared to speak out for 'fear of personal harm and retribution'.
Read more »
Health workers ask to join Lucy Letby inquiryNHS Whistleblowers, a support group made up of current and former doctors, midwives and nurses, said workers should able to give evidence regarding an NHS 'culture detrimental to patient safety'.
Read more »
Consultant who helped catch killer nurse Lucy Letby speaks out over NHS ‘cover-up’ cultureA neonatal doctor who helped catch Britain’s most prolific child killer Lucy Letby has spoken of his frustrations of the ‘cover-up’ culture that can still exist within the NHS.
Read more »
Lucy Letby supporters plot protest at killer nurse's appeal hearingThey plan to produce placards proclaiming that Britain's worst baby killer is a victim of a miscarriage of justice.
Read more »
Lucy Letby petition calling for baby murder conviction to be overruled hits 1.6kA petition calling for the convictions of child killer Lucy Letby to be quashed has amassed more than 1,600 signatures.
Read more »