Lucy Letby public inquiry formally opened by judge

Nurse Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to kill a further six

The public inquiry into serial killer Lucy Letby's crimes has formally begun although hearings may not begin until next autumn.

The inquiry will examine how the nurse was able to murder seven babies and try to kill six others.

It will also look at how the NHS handled the case and its response to doctors who raised concerns.

Inquiry chairwoman Lady Justice Thirlwall made her first public address earlier.

The senior appeal court judge outlined how she intended to conduct the inquiry and confirmed that work is already being carried out to gather evidence.

Lady Justice Thirlwall said: "The parents of the babies who were murdered or suffered injuries, some life-long, live with the consequences every day.

"On top of their grievous loss, they endured years of uncertainty about what had caused death or injury. For some, uncertainty remains.

"All have made it plain to me that they want to do all they can to make sure no one else suffers as they do."

The judge said she, with the help of the inquiry team, would "do all I can to make sure that no one else suffers as they have".

Lady Justice Thirlwall is leading the inquiry

Lady Justice Thirlwall's inquiry is set to be "searching and active" and will look for necessary changes to be made to the system of neonatal care "in real time and at the earliest opportunity, avoiding delays in making meaningful change".

However, the judge said the inquiry's hearings, which are due to take place in Chester, may not begin until next autumn to give time for other legal matters to be dealt with.

These include a retrial on an attempted murder charge relating to one baby, a potential appeal and also the ongoing police investigations.

It will be a statutory inquiry so will have powers to compel witnesses to give evidence.

Letby, 33, will spend the rest of her life in prison for the crimes she committed while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016.

The government published the inquiry's terms of reference in October, stating it would focus on "three broad areas" and ask 30 key questions.

The first area of focus will be the experiences of the babies' parents.

Inside the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital

Secondly, it will look at the conduct of those working at the hospital, including the board, managers, doctors, nurses and midwives throughout the period.

It will finally consider the effectiveness of NHS management and governance structures, as well as external scrutiny and professional regulation in keeping babies in hospital safe and whether changes are necessary.

• Lucy Letby inquiry to consider 30 key questions

• Do public inquiries answer families' questions?

• Lucy Letby to appeal against murder convictions

The government has said the priority is to conduct "a thorough inquiry as swiftly as possible".

The length and timing of the hearings and where they take place will depend on the extent and nature of the live evidence that is required and upon the actions of the police and Crown Prosecution Service.

In conclusion, Lady Justice Thirlwall will provide a final report with recommendations to the health secretary.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]