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12
Dec
'Long overdue' public inquiry into NHS trust announced after spate of deaths by suicide
The government has announced a statutory public inquiry into the NHS trust responsible for mental health services in the Harrogate district.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, announced the inquiry into mental health services at the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust yesterday (Thursday, December 11) in Darlington, as he met families who have lost loved ones under the care of the trust.
The announcement comes after a vigorous campaign for an inquiry by bereaved families across the North East and North Yorkshire, following an unusually high number of patient deaths by suicide at the trust over the past 10 years, affecting both adults and children.
'Devastating loss of life'
Mr Streeting said that failings at the trust had led to a "devastating loss of life and unimaginable grief" for multiple families.
He said:
I am deeply grateful to all the families who have taken the time to speak to me and share their harrowing experiences. What happened to their loved ones is unacceptable. Their courageous and tireless campaigning – not only on behalf of their families but for everyone in urgent need of mental health support – has been nothing short of inspirational.
Everyone receiving mental health care should get safe, high-quality care and be treated with dignity and respect. The care their loved ones experienced fell well short of that mark, with tragic consequences.
Following several meetings with these families this year and after careful consideration, I have decided that in the circumstances, a statutory inquiry is the best way to ensure they get the truth and accountability they deserve.
TEWV chief executive Alison Smith said the trust would support the inquiry:
First and foremost, I extend my deepest sympathy to everyone affected by these tragic losses.
With the public inquiry now confirmed, we will fully support the process with transparency, openness and humility. Above all, we are committed to listening, reflecting, and taking meaningful action to ensure that we continually improve as an organisation.
'Huge victory'
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon welcomed news of the inquiry, describing it as “a huge and long-overdue victory for families who have battled for years for truth, justice and accountability”.
Mr Gordon had been one of the many voices calling for the probe, and in October used his first ever Prime Minister’s Questions to demand urgent action over the trust's failures.
Mr Gordon said:
Today’s announcement is a landmark moment, a huge victory for the families who have fought with extraordinary courage, determination and dignity for justice. Many of them have endured devastating loss, and their persistence is the reason the Government has finally taken this step.
I strongly welcome this full public inquiry, but it cannot be an excuse to delay action. People are still receiving care from this Trust today. Immediate steps are needed to protect patients and begin rebuilding trust.
I will continue to work alongside the families and constituents I have met whose lives have been so deeply affected. We must ensure that lessons are finally learned and that such tragic and systemic failures can never happen again.
The MP for Skipton and Ripon, Sir Julian Smith, also welcomed the announcement, saying:
This inquiry is an essential step in addressing serious concerns about mental health care at TEWV.
Families have shown extraordinary courage and persistence in seeking answers, and this process must deliver the truth they deserve. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and those affected.
The inquiry will focus on uncovering failures in care at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust that have led to patients losing their lives. It will aim to identify issues specific to the trust and make recommendations to reduce the risk of similar tragic events occurring in the future.
Details of the Chair and terms of reference of the inquiry will be announced "as soon as possible".
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