The Lampard Inquiry, a public investigation into historical data concerning absconsions and ligature points, continues to draw attention from families of affected patients. Baroness Lampard is due to report with recommendations for reform in 2027. The inquiry seeks to allay genuine fears about the impact of digital technology on patient safety and the robustness of health records.
Evidence at the inquiry is expected to run all the way until May 15, with a resumption planned for July. All the families represented by the several legal teams watching the proceedings from every angle are tuned in. Ms. Brenda Campbell KC, who issued a joint statement on behalf of these families, highlighted the significance of accurate record-keeping in preventing failures in care.
Ms. Kirsty Lea, who is acting a counsel to the inquiry, said it was important to have full and final information so proper conclusions could be drawn. She pointed out that lack of records will limit the inquiry’s ability to make important findings. The investigation has been hampered by a lack of key public health disclosures from health authorities, adding to this already challenging process.
Family members attending the inquiry have shown their solidarity by wearing white T-shirts emblazoned with the phrases “truth, justice, accountability, cover-up.” This action especially highlights their calls for increased transparency and accountability during the federal investigation that’s still underway.
We thank Ms. Campbell for bringing this vital concern to the forefront. She explained that poorly filled out or non-existent individual-level records created the environment for the care failures to occur. Collectively, she underscored the systemic challenges these record-keeping issues had created. Largely as a result, they create a culture of cover-up within our healthcare system.
“But where records are routinely incomplete, inaccurate, inconsistently completed or, in some cases, falsified – in ward after ward, hospital after hospital, year after year – notwithstanding NHS guidance or Care Quality Commission recommendations or coroner’s prevention of future death reports – from the perspective of the families that we represent, that enables a cover-up.” – Kirsty Lea
Stephen Snowden KC, appearing on behalf of bereaved families through Hodge Jones & Allen, described the inquiry’s approach to disclosure as “utterly shambolic”. He took issue with the inquiry for not offering complete transparency up front. He similarly called for the release of data on who’s been served Section 21 notices.
“Lifting the lid of a box very slightly without telling us what might be in it, peeking in, and then – without any opportunity to lift the lid further – closing the lid again.” – Mr Snowden
Mr. Snowden’s comments bring to light how much we try to limit families looking for answers, accountability, and justice, and we’re the worse for it. As the investigation continues, he and others anticipate a deeper investigation into the evidence and testimony collected.
“Only once the inquiry is satisfied that it has the fullest available data will it be able to conclude whether or not a comprehensive review across the entire relevant period is even possible.” – Kirsty Lea
Baroness Lampard’s upcoming recommendations will be crucial to guiding best practices within health authorities moving forward. The goal of the inquiry should be to make sure that these systemic problems are fixed, creating a culture where patient safety is the expectation rather than the exception.
Paul Scott, the other family voice advocating on behalf of those impacted by these issues, recognized the emotional weight of the inquiry. He stated, “As the inquiry progresses there will be many accounts of people who were much loved and missed over the past 24 years and I want to say how sorry I am for their loss.”
Leave a Reply