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09 May 2025
Issue: 8115 / Categories: Legal News , Abuse , Child law , Family , National Health Service , Health & safety
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NLJ this week: Safeguarding failures, Letby & the upcoming Thirlwall report

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The Thirlwall Inquiry into the deaths of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, in respect of which nurse Lucy Letby was convicted of murder and attempted murder, held its final hearings in March

In this week’s NLJ, Richard Scorer, head of abuse law and public inquiries, Slater & Gordon Lawyers, reports on the disturbing detail which emerged from the inquiry and considers what its final recommendations are likely to encompass.

Lady Justice Thirlwall has indicated she will publish her final report before the end of the year. Scorer writes: ‘A striking aspect of the case is how parents were kept entirely in the dark about the hospital’s concerns regarding Letby, only discovering the true picture through the later criminal investigation and trial... it is beyond argument that the duty of candour was not honoured in this case, and this reinforces concerns that the duty of candour is being routinely ignored across much of the NHS.’ 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis brings Probate and Court of Protection expertise together with new dedicated team

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Antonia Power joins Clarke Willmott in Taunton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Chris Acton joins Haynes Boone as chair of UK derivatives platform

NEWS
Civil practitioners face changes spanning debt recovery, workplace harassment and possession claims, alongside guidance on insolvency challenges and children proceedings

Finding matrimonial wealth is as challenging as dividing it, as family disputes draw practitioners into asset tracing, offshore structures and insolvency

Agreement between opponents offers no guarantee that a court will approve a retrospective increase to a costs budget
Climate change belongs on every lawyer’s agenda, with risks extending far beyond environmental practice into commercial advice, litigation and access to justice
Workplace bullying and harassment can no longer be left solely to HR, as financial regulation scrutinises culture, character and fitness
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