Lucy Letby inquiry: Hospital boss denies 'stalling' police
Tony Chambers rejected the claim that he aimed to "destroy the careers" of high-ranking doctors who had alleged misconduct by Lucy Letby.
The previous head of the hospital where Lucy Letby harmed and took the lives of infants has rejected accusations of delaying the police inquiry into her actions.
Tony Chambers served as the head of the Countess of Chester Hospital from June 2015 to June 2016, during which period Letby took the lives of seven newborns and attempted to harm seven more.
In May 2017, Cheshire Police were brought in to look into the matter after hospital consultants urged top management to take action.
During the public inquiry into the events surrounding Letby's actions, Mr. Chambers testified that he felt he had not "blocked" the police investigation or attempted to damage the reputations of the doctors who suspected her.
During the Thirlwall Inquiry, which took place at Liverpool Town Hall, it was reported that Mr. Chambers learned for the first time in June 2016 that experienced pediatric consultants on the neonatal unit believed that Letby was causing harm to newborns.
During his second day of testimony, he acknowledged that they were experts but pointed out that they hadn't provided solid evidence to support their instincts.
Image credit: Thirlwall Inquiry
Tony Chambers faced allegations of "unacceptable behavior" from a lawyer representing the families of Lucy Letby's victims.
He later claimed that he never attempted to harm their careers by warning them that he would report them to the General Medical Council (GMC) if they didn’t retract their allegations against Letby and "move forward."
Richard Baker KC, an attorney representing several families of Letby's victims, presented a document during the inquiry that was taken from a meeting at the Cheshire Police headquarters on May 12, 2017.
The note indicated that Mr. Chambers informed high-ranking officials that the reasons for the situation cannot be attributed to just one source or cause, and definitely not to any criminal activity.
Mr. Baker stated, "You are giving the Cheshire Constabulary a false impression by implying that this issue has been thoroughly looked into."
Mr. Chambers responded, "I believe I'm expressing what we were all thinking back then."
The investigation also revealed that Mr. Chambers informed the police that the situation could escalate into a broader issue with the GMC. He mentioned that the consultants were preventing progress, making the environment more challenging and hazardous for critically ill infants.
Photo credit: Cheshire Police Department
After Lucy Letby raised concerns about being taken off her duties, Tony Chambers assured her by saying, "We're here to support you."
Additionally, during a meeting between Mr. Chambers and Sue Hodkinson, the head of human resources at the hospital, there was a discussion regarding the consultants. They brought up topics such as "referrals to the GMC" and an "action plan for managing the situation."
Mr. Chambers rejected the idea that the notes indicated a desire to harm the consultants' careers.
Mr. Baker pointed out, "This clearly reveals something about your character. You applied pressure on whistleblowers in opposition to the hospital's own commitment to patient safety, and you intended to discipline them or have them transferred if they didn't comply."
Mr. Chambers responded, "That’s not how I see this situation or my own character."
"My approach has always prioritized the safety of our patients and the welfare of our team."
Mr. Baker concluded his interrogation of Mr. Chambers by proposing, "At every opportunity, you tried to delay and prevent the police from getting involved or this issue from becoming known. In the end, you aimed to damage the careers of the consultants who raised this matter with you."
"That kind of behavior is completely unacceptable and not appropriate for someone in the position of a CEO in the NHS, right?"
Mr. Chambers replied, "If that had been my action, then it would be true."
"I find that statement completely unacceptable and I don't think it reflects what I have done."
Letby has been sentenced to 15 life terms in prison after being found guilty of murdering seven individuals and attempting to murder eight others, which includes two attempts on a single victim.
The investigation is expected to begin in early 2015.
