Relatives have accused ministers of delaying an investigation into the deaths of almost 2,000 patients at NHS mental health trusts in Essex.
The investigation has still not started more than eight months after the announcement that it would be relaunched with strengthened powers.
In June last year, the government bowed to pressure from families and the then-chairman of the inquiry, giving it legal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence. The new terms of reference were sent to ministers in December, setting out what the inquiry will investigate.
But the terms of reference have yet to be approved by ministers, leaving relatives frustrated as another “unnecessary” death was reported a few weeks ago.
Melanie Leahy, whose son Matthew died in 2012 at the Linden Center in Chelmsford, said: ‘I know that this research, the first of its kind nationally, if carried out in a timely and comprehensive manner, has the power to prevent more deaths, not just in Essex but across Britain.
“Why are I and all the other bereaved and injured individuals still waiting? Worse yet, why are we confronted with such callous and terrifying indifference? Why is our legal team ignored? We can only conclude that our government simply doesn’t care. If the government continues to drag its feet like this, they must be held accountable for their shortcomings. If any more deaths occur during this endless wait, this government must be held responsible.”
The inquiry was initially launched on a non-statutory basis in January 2021 to investigate deaths at the Essex Partnership University NHS Trust and its predecessor companies between 2000 and 2020. It was established following a 2019 investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman, finding numerous flaws in the events surrounding the deaths of Matthew Leahy, 20, and another young man identified only as Mr R.
Priya Singh, senior medical negligence associate at Hodge Jones & Allen, which represents dozens of families, called the delay “shocking” and said: “The mandate is still awaiting final government approval. Why?
“While we waited for meaningful progress, a few weeks ago another unnecessary death occurred of a loved one in the care of the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care extended its condolences to the bereaved families and said it was taking the investigation very seriously. They said: “Baroness (Kate) Lampard has undertaken a consultation on her mandate, and this is now being considered.”