Ex-hospital boss Dr Susan Gilby 'astonished' by staff 'complacency' after Lucy Letby's arrest
Former Countess of Chester Hospital CEO Dr. Susan Gilby expressed shock at the complacency she encountered among staff following Lucy Letby's arrest. The Thirlwall Inquiry report confirmed that hospital management failed to act on concerns, contributing to a system of dysfunctional governance.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical failures in hospital management and patient safety oversight, leading to significant legal and systemic reforms in the UK healthcare sector.
Image caption, The former chief executive says she found a "general feeling of complacency" when she arrived at the hospital
The former boss of the hospital where Lucy Letby worked has said she was "astonished" by a "general feeling of complacency" when she arrived weeks after the nurse's arrest.
Dr Susan Gilby joined Countess of Chester Hospital in August 2018. She said she expected people to be "reeling from shock and distress" but found them "quite relaxed".
The Thirlwall Inquiry report, published on Tuesday, found hospital executives did not expect the police investigation to "lead anywhere" and said this was consistent with their earlier conduct.
Ex-senior hospital managers named in the report have said they are reviewing Thirlwall's findings, but cannot comment further while other investigations remain active.
Image source, PA Image caption, The inquiry report says hospital executives did not expect the police investigation to "lead anywhere"
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