Inquiry into mental health deaths restarted – BBC News

A public inquiry into the deaths of at least 2,000 mental health hospital patients has been restarted and given new powers.

The independent Essex Mental Health Inquiry was established in 2021 to investigate deaths of people in the county’s mental health services.

The number of initial responses to the survey from current and former staff was described as “disappointing”.

The investigation has become a statutory inquiry, meaning witnesses can be forced to testify.

It appears that the new president is considering extending the duration of the investigation to include deaths occurring between the beginning of 2000 and the end of 2023.

All 2,000 people identified died while either being patients in a mental health service in Essex or within three months of being discharged, between 2000 and 2020.

During the initial inquiry, then-president Geraldine Strathdee described the number of survey responses from current and former staff as “extremely disappointing”.

Dr Strathdee resigned for “personal reasons” earlier this year, with the new chair named Baroness Kate Lampard and the inquiry renamed The Lampard Inquiry.

Baroness Lampard, who previously led investigations into Jimmy Savile’s abuse in the NHS, said: “I am determined to conduct this inquiry in a fair, thorough and balanced manner.

“I am also careful not to take more time than necessary. The recommendations of this investigation are urgent and cannot be delayed.”

She added: “To be clear from the outset, I will not force families to testify.

“Evidence from staff, management and organizations will be gathered in a proportionate, fair and appropriate manner.”

Baroness Lampard will continue to seek evidence from the families of the deceased, patients and former patients of inpatient wards.

She will also seek evidence from those working in mental health settings and other relevant parties who can help the inquiry understand the circumstances surrounding these cases and make recommendations on how to improve the provision of care mental health to hospitalized patients.