Message from the Board of Wirral University Teaching Hospital - Lucy Letby Trial

Following the conclusion of the Lucy Letby trial at Manchester Crown Court, our thoughts are with all the families affected, who have suffered pain and anguish that few of us can imagine.

The events described at the trial have shocked colleagues across the NHS and here at our Trust, just as they have the entire nation. The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that there will be an independent inquiry into the events at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to make sure lessons are learned.

Here at Wirral University Teaching Hospitals, we value and treasure the trust placed in us by our patients, their families and carers, often when they are at their most vulnerable.

As the Board responsible for our Trust here on the Wirral, we would like to reassure our present and future patients, parents, families and loved ones, that our top priority is the delivery of safe and effective care. And, although these appalling crimes were the actions of a single individual, this case is a stark reminder of how important it is that the NHS listens carefully to the concerns of patients, families and people that work within it.

We want everyone to feel safe and confident to speak up. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about the care we are providing. Patients, families and carers can raise any concerns directly with our ward staff, via our Patient Liaison Advice Service (PALS), or by contacting our Patient Experience Team wuth.patientexperience@nhs.net.

Our partner organisations like Healthwatch Wirral, and for Maternity Services our Wirral Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership, which was rated Outstanding by The Care Quality Commission, provide avenues for raising concerns.