A senior doctor has told a public inquiry that Lucy Letby likely harmed more babies than those she was convicted of murdering. Dr Stephen Brearey, a consultant paediatrician at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said he believed Letby did not start harming babies in June 2015 and may have had earlier victims.
Dr Brearey told the Thirlwall inquiry that before June 2015, there were cases of babies deteriorating that should have triggered concerns. He said the unit's perception of normal collapse rates had changed over time, making it harder to spot unusual patterns.
The inquiry heard that in July 2015, after three babies died and a fourth survived over two weeks, a review found Letby was the only nurse on duty for all incidents. Dr Brearey admitted that when Letby's name was mentioned, he thought 'the worst' but did not initially voice suspicions.
Letby was moved to a clerical role in July 2016, a year after the first cluster of deaths, and was arrested in July 2018. She is serving 15 whole-life sentences for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, but maintains her innocence.
Dr Brearey apologised to the families, saying: 'Sorry for my part in not being able to protect your babies.' He added that he tried his best but acknowledged it was not enough.
