Lucy Letby, the former nurse convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others, is set to be stripped of her NHS pension. The government is exploring ways to prevent the serial killer from receiving the benefit after she was sentenced to a whole-life prison term.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay has the authority to block pension payments for NHS employees convicted of certain offences. The Department for Health and Social Care stated that such offences include those that are 'gravely injurious to the State' or that 'lead to serious loss of confidence in the public service'. However, the department declined to comment on Letby's individual case.
Letby, 33, became only the third woman alive to receive a whole-life sentence. She refused to leave her cell for sentencing on Monday, where the parents of her victims described the devastating impact of her crimes.
There is growing pressure on the government to upgrade the inquiry into how Letby was able to commit the murders while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016. The current non-statutory inquiry has been criticised for lacking the power to compel witnesses. Former home secretary Jack Straw argued that some witnesses may avoid appearing unless the probe is given statutory powers.
Downing Street has not ruled out upgrading the inquiry. A Department of Health spokesman confirmed that the independent inquiry has been launched to learn lessons and provide answers to the affected families.
