Bereaved mothers have recently met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to emphasize the importance of ensuring that the inquiry into the deaths of mental health patients in Essex brings about justice.
The Lampard Inquiry, chaired by Baroness Kate Lampard, is set to investigate the deaths of individuals who were under mental health inpatient care in Essex between 2000 and 2023. It has been revealed that the number of deaths within the scope of the inquiry is expected to be significantly higher than the previously estimated 2,000. This includes individuals who passed away within three months of discharge, as well as those who died while receiving NHS-funded care in the independent sector.
Initial hearings for the inquiry took place in Chelmsford last month, with the first evidential hearings scheduled for next year in London. However, some bereaved relatives have expressed disappointment with the progress of the inquiry so far. They have raised concerns about certain individuals not being granted core participant status and other related issues.
During the meeting with Health Secretary Streeting, Melanie Leahy, who lost her son Matthew in 2012 while he was a patient at a mental health facility, shared her thoughts. She expressed her hopes for the inquiry to uncover the truth surrounding her son’s death and bring about justice and accountability. Julia Hopper, another bereaved mother whose son Christopher passed away in 2020 under mental health care, also attended the meeting. She stressed the importance of this inquiry leading to meaningful change to prevent further loss of life.
Priya Singh, a partner at law firm Hodge Jones & Allen representing over 150 victims and families, highlighted the families’ concerns about feeling ignored and excluded from the inquiry process. She emphasized the need for collaboration to achieve truth and justice, as well as to prevent past mistakes from recurring.
In response to the families’ concerns, Health Secretary Streeting expressed his deepest sympathies and reiterated the importance of allowing every person affected by these tragic circumstances to share their stories. He emphasized that the inquiry will provide a platform for families to have their voices heard and contribute to identifying broader lessons for the healthcare system.
Overall, the meeting between bereaved mothers and the Health Secretary sheds light on the ongoing efforts to seek justice, accountability, and change in mental health care services in Essex. It is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the inquiry delivers the necessary outcomes to prevent further loss of life and address the concerns of the affected families.
