Dr Nigel Scawn, medical director of the Countess of Chester Hospital, has issued an apology to the families of Lucy Letby's victims following her conviction for seven murders and six attempted murders. Speaking outside the hospital, he expressed the trust's deep sadness and regret that the crimes occurred on its premises.
“We are extremely sorry that these crimes were committed at our hospital and our thoughts continue to be with all the families and loved ones of the babies who came to harm or who died,” Dr Scawn said. He acknowledged that the trust could not begin to understand what the families had endured.
Dr Scawn emphasised the trust’s commitment to ensuring lessons are learned, noting that staff are devastated by the case. He detailed significant changes made to services since Letby's employment, aiming to restore public confidence in the care provided.
However, Dr Scawn declined to answer when asked why hospital managers attempted to stop the investigation into Letby. The trial had heard that consultants raised concerns on two occasions but were urged not to make a fuss, allowing Letby to continue working on the neonatal unit.
Letby, a 33-year-old former neonatal nurse, was convicted after a 10-month trial at Manchester Crown Court. She is due to be sentenced on Monday.
