Thirlwall Inquiry
Bond Turner represented some parents at the Thirlwall Public Inquiry concerning former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby and her actions at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
The Thirlwall Inquiry was established to investigate the events at the Countess of Chester Hospital hearing extensive witness and expert testimony gaining critical insight as to the experiences of those affected.
The Inquiry also looked into the first-hand experience of those working at the hospital, as well as those responsible for the Countess of Chester management & governance. The aim was to not only fully understand, as best as possible, what happened on an individual and systemic level, but to hold those responsible for failings to account, make recommendations for change to safeguard future patients and crucially secure answers and justice for the victims’ families.
Bond Turner’s involvement as a Core Participant underscored the Inquiry’s emphasis on giving a voice to the families who suffered the greatest loss. The firm is dedicated to ensuring that our clients are heard, supported, and that those in positions of responsibility are held to account.
Lady Justice Thirlwall, Chair of the Inquiry, will produce an official report on the deaths and unexplained collapses of the babies where Lucy Letby worked over a two year period.
The report is expected to provide answers for the families, and recommendations to prevent further failures of safeguarding within the NHS.
The Inquiry concluded the hearings phase in March 2025, after the Inquiry was formally commenced some 18 months earlier in September 2023.
Lady Justice Thirlwall recently announced her findings will be published in early 2026. This will follow warning letters to those subject to criticism in September 2025, and copy editing thereafter.
Separate to the inquiry, Bond Turner is pursuing civil claims against the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.