Essex mental health inquiry looking at more patient deaths

Former barrister Baroness Lampard is leading the inquiry. She previously led the government review of NHS investigations into Jimmy Savile

A public inquiry into the deaths of mental health patients in Essex has been expanded.

Investigators were initially due to examine cases dated between 2000 and 2020, but deaths up until 31 December last year will now be included.

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said "we will ensure lessons are learned".

The government published the inquiry's "terms of reference" on Wednesday.

The Lampard Inquiry is examining deaths of inpatients being cared for by the NHS in the county, including by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) which was set up in 2017.

The care provided by the North East London NHS Foundation Trust, in Essex, will also be examined, the government announced.

Statutory powers were given to the inquiry last year, meaning it has legal powers compelling witnesses to give evidence.

Baroness Kate Lampard took over chairing the inquiry from Dr Geraldine Strathdee, who stepped down for personal reasons.

Dr Strathdee previously said up to 2,000 patient deaths were being looked at.

EPUT's chief executive Paul Scott has disputed this figure.

The new terms of reference include:

• Serious failings related to the delivery of safe and therapeutic inpatient treatment and care

• The actions, practices and behaviours of staff providing mental health inpatient care

• The culture and governance of and at the trusts and how that affected care and treatment

"Patients should feel confident, safe and supported - especially when receiving help for their mental health, which can be an incredibly vulnerable experience," said Ms Atkins.

"This was not the case for mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2023, where so many patients ended up tragically and needlessly passing away, leaving their bereaved families with questions that need answering.

"We take this need seriously, and through the Lampard Inquiry, we will ensure lessons are learned and patient safety is improved."

EPUT chief executive Paul Scott said: "We welcome the progress of the Lampard Inquiry and will do all we can to support Baroness Lampard and her team to provide the answers that patients, families and carers deserve."