Senior NHS managers implicated in two of the most shocking healthcare scandals in recent history—the infected blood tragedy and the Lucy Letby case—are still occupying top positions within the health service, raising serious concerns about accountability and governance.
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting has demanded answers, questioning how those responsible for systemic failures continue to wield influence in the NHS. The infected blood scandal, which saw thousands of patients given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s, and the horrific crimes of neonatal nurse Lucy Letby have both exposed catastrophic lapses in oversight.
Infected Blood: A Legacy of Failure
Decades after the infected blood scandal, victims and their families are still fighting for justice. Despite clear evidence of negligence, many senior figures involved in the decision-making process at the time have either retired with full pensions or moved into advisory roles. Campaigners argue that the lack of consequences for those in charge has perpetuated a culture of impunity.
Lucy Letby Case: Missed Red Flags
Similarly, the case of Lucy Letby—who was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others—has raised alarming questions about how NHS managers handled repeated warnings about her behaviour. Reports suggest that concerns were dismissed, and whistleblowers were ignored, allowing Letby to continue her crimes unchecked.
Wes Streeting Calls for Reform
Labour’s Wes Streeting has seized on these scandals to push for stricter accountability measures. "The fact that those who failed patients so catastrophically are still in post is a disgrace," he said. "The NHS must learn from these tragedies and ensure that managers who neglect their duties face real consequences."
With public trust in the NHS at stake, the pressure is mounting for a full review of how senior managers are held to account—and whether the system itself is fit for purpose.
