The former medical director at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies has refused to apologise to the grieving families, despite a damning report highlighting systemic failures.
Dr Nigel Scawn, who led the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit during Letby's killing spree, faced questions after an independent inquiry exposed shocking lapses in management and oversight.
Families Left Without Closure
Relatives of Letby's victims expressed fury after Dr Scawn declined to say sorry during a recent press conference. "How can he look himself in the mirror?" asked one devastated parent.
The report revealed multiple missed opportunities to stop Letby earlier, with concerns about her conduct being repeatedly ignored by senior staff.
Hospital Leadership Under Fire
Key findings from the investigation include:
- Senior doctors' warnings about Letby were dismissed
- Hospital executives prioritised reputation over patient safety
- No proper action was taken despite unusual death patterns
Current NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard has promised "fundamental changes" to prevent similar tragedies.
Call for Accountability
Campaigners are demanding:
- Full transparency about who knew what and when
- Professional consequences for those who failed to act
- Compulsory whistleblower protections across the NHS
The case has reignited debates about NHS culture and the need for stronger safeguards in neonatal units nationwide.
