September 9th 2024
Today is the first day of the Lampard Inquiry, the first mental health public inquiry of its kind. The inquiry will look into the deaths of up to 2000 NHS patients while in inpatient units or recently discharged from inpatient units, in Essex between 2000 and 2023.
The inquiry is being led by Baroness Kate Lampard who said she wanted to 'make recommendations on [how] to improve the provision of mental health inpatient care'.
Priya Singh from Hodge Jones and Allen, which is representing126 families, said 'The deaths of patients in psychiatrist institutions cannot continue in the UK.' 'This (inquiry) is an enormous opportunity for mental healthcare in England. I'm hoping we can find out what's been going so badly wrong'.
The inquiry follows calls from the mothers of two 20 year old men who died at the Linden Centre - a mental health unit in Chelmsford. It was found that staff did not follow the trust's policy and care plan's were falsified, and repeated failures have since been reported across the trust. Melanie Leahy, mother of Matthew Leahy and Lisa Morris, mother of Ben Morris, have said they do not want other families to experience what they have been through.
While the inquiry specifically is looking into deaths under Essex mental health services, it is believed it will provide understanding and therefore recommendations for improvements across the NHS.
Area's to be covered by the inquiry include;
Allegations of abuse - Both physical and sexual.
Patient assessments under the mental health act.
Patient privacy, including the use of CCTV.
How patient's individual needs are dealth with; including neurodiversity, alcohol or drug dependency and learning difficulties.
Use of restraint - Including chemical restraint and seclusion.
Staff ability to raise concerns.
Communication with families.
Staff training and use of agency / temporary staff and it's impact.
Culture and leadership.
How Essex compares to other areas.
How long will the inquiry take?
The inquiry is a lengthy process. Initially it will involve ten organisations, 56 relatives, patients and staff giving evidence, but more may be called to give evidence as the inquiry progresses. Anyone with further information are urged to contact the inquiry at contact@lampardinquiry.org.uk or by leaving a message at 02079723500.
September 9th - The opening statements will be given by Baroness Lampard.
September, October and November - Bereaved families will begin to read their impact statements on September 16th and these will continue into November.
2025 -The first evidence sessions will begin.
What might we learn from the inquiry?
It is hoped that lessons from the inquiry will improve the way inpatient mental health patients are treated and the way mental health services are run. The head of North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) who run child and adolescent mental health services in parts of Essex said 'We will continue to work with the inquiry to help families understand the circumstances surrounding the loss of their loved ones.'
'Patient safety is our absolute priority and we are committed to learning from the work of the inquiry'.
When Melanie Leahy was asked what her hope is from the inquiry she said 'accountability'. Lisa Morris added that at the top of her list are 'good, safe hospitals with staff that care'.
Solicitor, Priya Singh, believes the inqury will bring about necessary change, stating 'The families have to have their voices heard. If their voices are heard then change is going to happen'.
For more information about the Lampard inquiry go to the official website: www.lampardinquiry.org.uk
Sources: BBC Online.
