Police investigating the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to murder seven others have widened their scope to include gross negligence manslaughter.
An investigation into corporate manslaughter was launched in October 2023 following the trial and conviction of ex-nurse Letby.
But Cheshire Constabulary have now widened their probe to determine whether gross negligence manslaughter took place.
In a statement, Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes said: “This is a separate offence to corporate manslaughter and focuses on the grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals.
“It is important to note that this does not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder.”
Det Supt Hughes added: “Those identified as suspects have been notified. We will not be confirming the number of people involved or their identity as no arrests or charges have yet been made.
“Both the corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter elements of the investigation are continuing and there are no set timescales for these.
“Our investigation into the deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital between the period of 2012 to 2016 is also ongoing.
“Our priority is to maintain the integrity of our ongoing investigations and to support the many families who are at the heart of these.”
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Letby, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted across two trials at Manchester Crown Court after being convicted of killing seven babies, and attempting to murder seven others – making two attempts on one of her victims – between June 2015 and June 2016.
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Last month an international panel of neonatologists and paediatric specialists said bad medical care and natural causes were the reasons for the collapses and deaths.
Their evidence has been passed to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates potential miscarriages of justice, and Letby’s legal team hope her case will be referred back to the Court of Appeal.
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A public inquiry into the events surrounding Letby’s crimes will reconvene at Liverpool Town Hall on 17 March for closing submissions, and the findings of Lady Justice Thirlwall are expected this autumn.
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