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Nurse Arrested at Children's Hospital Amid Allegations of Baby Poisoning and Probe into Three Deaths
In a shocking turn of events, a nurse has been arrested at a prominent children's hospital following allegations that she poisoned a baby, while police simultaneously investigate three deaths that occurred under suspicious circumstances.According to reports from mirror, Monday, August 28,2023.The incidents have rocked the Birmingham Children's Hospital, raising concerns about patient safety and the integrity of the medical profession.
The nurse was employed by Birmingham Children's Hospital in the city's center (Photo: PA).
The first case that drew attention involved a child admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Tragically, the child's life was cut short "suddenly and unexpectedly," as revealed by newly disclosed documents. This incident prompted a thorough investigation led by medical professionals into this and two other unrelated tragedies at the same hospital.
Executives at the Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust took the initiative to launch an internal probe into "child deaths and sudden collapses." The urgency escalated when one young patient rapidly deteriorated and passed away on May 18, 2022, just a day after their admission. Following the grim development, a nurse was immediately suspended from her duties, and West Midland Police subsequently arrested her at her residence. The arrest was based on suspicion of intentionally administering a poison with the intent to endanger life.
Although the nurse has been taken into custody in connection with one particular incident, there have been other concerning cases at the hospital. Some of these incidents date back as far as January of the previous year, as reported by Birmingham Live. Despite these additional cases, the nurse in question has not been formally arrested in connection with them.
Dr. Fiona Reynolds, the chief medical officer at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, voiced her unwavering commitment to patient safety. In a statement published by the Sunday Times, she explained the hospital's swift response to the distressing situation. "The Trust immediately followed the standard safeguarding protocol for the sudden unexpected death of a child and West Midlands Police were notified the same day," she said. The hospital undertook a comprehensive clinical review of child deaths and sudden deteriorations under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The findings of this review were subsequently analyzed by independent experts and shared with law enforcement agencies.
The hospital's proactive approach has included transparent communication with the families affected by these incidents. Dr. Reynolds emphasized the importance of openness and cooperation with both West Midlands Police and the Coroner's office. The primary focus remains on patient safety, and the hospital's decisive actions reflect this commitment.
The nurse's suspension not only bars her from working at Birmingham Children's Hospital but also prevents her from practicing nursing elsewhere. She had been a staff member at the hospital, which houses a 31-bed paediatric intensive care unit. A representative from West Midlands Police provided insight into the ongoing investigation, stating that the woman was arrested on suspicion of administering poison with the intent to endanger life.
This unsettling news surfaces in the wake of the recent conviction of nurse Lucy Letby, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six more at a hospital in Chester. Letby's case has drawn international attention and highlighted the grave consequences of breaches in medical ethics and patient trust.
The Birmingham Children's Hospital incident underscores the importance of maintaining the highest standards of patient care and accountability within the medical profession. As the investigation continues, questions about oversight, protocols, and the overall safety of patients in medical settings will remain at the forefront of public concern.
Lucy Letby's parents attended every day of her 10-month trial, and were so determined to hear all the evidence against their daughter that they relocated to Manchester from Hereford
Lucy Letby was handed a whole life order this week
Lucy Letby was handed a whole life order this week for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six more while working as a nurse.
In what was branded a "cowardly" move, the 33-year-old refused to face her victims' families in court for sentencing as they read out statements telling how she tore their lives apart. Her parents, Susan and Jonathan Letby, also chose not to attend - despite going to every day of the 10-month trial.
They were so determined to hear all the evidence against their daughter that they relocated to Manchester from Hereford, on the England-Wales border. The pair have been quick to leap to their daughter's defence - it was they who she leaned on when she had a key meeting with hospital bosses in January 2017.
The parents went alongside their daughter, claiming that she was being bullied and victimised on the neonatal unit, after two senior doctors raised the alarm. Letby's mum was reportedly distraught when she was arrested – wailing, crying and even telling police: "I did it, take me instead," in a desperate bid to protect her.
Letby's parents leaving Manchester Crown Court during the trial
Investigators suspect Letby had told them very little details of her horrific crimes before they were laid out in front of them in court. As the guilty verdicts were returned, Mrs Letby broke down into tears which continued even after she had left the court. At one point she cried out: "You can't be serious. This cannot be right."
The Letbys were a close-knit family and her parents were understandably proud when their daughter became the first in their wider family to go to university and move away from home. But her trial heard that Mr Letby, now 77 and Mrs Letby, 63, came to "hate it" when she did not return home after her graduation and that made her feel "constantly guilty".
Messaging a friend who had joked about emigrating to New Zealand, Letby said: "I couldn't leave my parents. They would be completely devastated. Find it hard enough being away from me now and its only 100 miles. I came here to uni & didn't go back. They hate it & I feel guilty for staying here sometimes but it's what I want."
Letby told another friend: "My parents worry massively about everything & anything, hate that I live alone etc. I feel bad because I know it's really hard for them especially as I'm an only child, and they mean well, just a little suffocating at times and constantly feel guilty."
During her studies Letby went on work placements at the Countess of Chester, on the children's ward or the neonatal unit. She started working full time there from January 2012 as a Band 5 nurse and three years later qualified to work with infants who needed intensive care.
Letby's parents came to "hate it" when she did not return home after her graduation
The nurse was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six more
Initially Letby lived in the on-site accommodation at Ash House before moving to a flat in Chester in April 2014. In June 2015 she returned to Ash House and then moved into her home in Blacon on April 6, 2016.
In the period she was said to have been intentionally harming babies at work, Letby had an "active social life" with salsa dancing classes a particular favourite. A regular gym-goer she was also a member of a local pub quiz team.
Letby enjoyed holidays with friends and in the summer of 2015 was among revellers at a colleague's hen party in York before she attended the wedding later that year. She told the court her health was "fine" in 2015 and 2016, although in 2015 she had been diagnosed with optic neuritis, a condition caused by inflammation of the optic nerve which can cause pain and blurred vision.
Letby received treatment at the Countess and also at the Walton Centre in Liverpool before the issue was "resolved". In June 2016 she confided to a doctor colleague about a problem with an underactive thyroid.
She told him: "I've been hypothyroid since I was 11, having blips last 12 months, just increased dose again to see if that does the trick...last time it was increased I was over treated & had tremors etc.." She said she was on anti-depressants after her mental health deteriorated when she was accused of harming babies and was still taking them.
As she was placed in the back of a police car during her first arrest she told an officer, who offered to move the front passenger seat forward, that she had recently undergone knee surgery. Letby told jurors she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after her three arrests.
Letby being arrested at home in Chester in 2018
She told the court: "It was just the most scariest thing I've ever been through. It not only happened once, it happened twice and a third time. It's just traumatised me... I'm very sensitive to any noise, any unexpected change or new people. I am easily startled, easily frightened of things."
Letby was allowed by the judge to settle into her seat when she gave evidence, before members of the public and the press were allowed into court. At the end of each evidence session the public gallery was cleared before prison officers returned her to the dock.
Her trial heard that Letby made a three-hour round trip from HMP New Hall in Wakefield and would get up at 5.30am to be at court on time. She said she had been in four prisons since she was charged in November 2020.
Before the jury was sworn in the court heard Letby was left "incoherent" and "can't speak properly" after she was moved from HMP Bronzefield in Surrey to HMP New Hall on the Friday afternoon before the trial. Letby was said to have found the move "traumatising" as none of her possessions initially came with her, the court heard.
During the trial she walked into the dock each morning clutching a purple blanket, a pink blanket and a file of paperwork. She studiously followed the medical evidence and occasionally a flurry of notes would be passed to her legal team.
The front of a diary, along with a post-it note which was found inside the diary, recovered from Letby's home
At the end of each court day she would request time to see her barrister, Ben Myers KC, before the journey back to prison. She also regularly received visits from the court's designated mental health nurse during the trial.
When she came to give evidence in her defence, Mr Myers asked how it felt to have job as a nurse taken away from her and to be accused of killing babies. Letby replied: "My job was my life. My whole world was stopped."
Mr Myers said: "If you think back to when you were a young woman, you were 25, 26, before you were being blamed for what happened, are you the same person?" Letby replied: "Everything has completely changed. Everything about me and my life, the hopes I had for the future, everything has gone."
Mr Myers said: "How content were you in your life before you began to get the blame for all of this?" Letby replied: "I had a very happy life."
Letby, who was sentenced to a whole life order for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of six others, has the right to appeal her life term but her lawyers have so far not indicated they will.
Despite this, a campaign calling itself Science on Trial is putting forward arguments questioning expert witness accounts and forensic evidence believing the killer nurse did not get a fair trial.
Its founder Sarrita Adams, a scientific consultant for biotech start-ups in California, says she has a PhD in biochemistry from Cambridge University, but, according to her LinkedIn profile, she appears not to have worked as a scientist since then.
“Through fundraising, researching, and legal assistance, we aim to ensure that Lucy Letby can have a fair trial where scientific evidence is reliable,” her website states.
“We are currently working to form a group of scientists, lawyers, and activists to aid in the upcoming appeal for Lucy Letby.
“We believe that Lucy’s defence was not adequate, that there is more to this case which was not heard in court, which deserved to be heard, and that everyone deserves a fair trial. That is why we have come together to fight for the science to be brought to trial.”
The arrest of Lucy Letby (Cheshire Constabulary/PA) / PA Media
Donations to the American website are not currently open but there are options to join the cause with a donation link saying “coming soon”.
Ms Adams uses the site to criticise the reliability of the prosecution’s evidence that high insulin levels detected in two babies showed they were deliberately injected.
However, Letby’s legal team did not challenge the fact babies were injected with insulin, instead denying it was her that administered the fatal injections.
It comes as Letby faces being stripped of her NHS pension after being convicted of the “sadistic” murders.
It is understood the Government is looking at ways to prevent the benefit being paid to Britain’s worst child killer.
Letby refused to leave her cell for sentencing on Monday, where the parents of her newborn victims described the horrifying impact the crimes had on their families.
The former NHS neonatal nurse, 33, has become the fourth woman in Britain to be handed a whole-life order, which is used for only the most horrendous crimes.
Lucy Letby was found guilty following a lengthy trial
Evil child serial killer Lucy Letby is set to die behind bars after fooling her friends and family into believing she was just an ordinary young woman.
The former NHS neonatal nurse, 33, has become the fourth woman in Britain to be handed a whole-life order, which is used for only the most horrendous crimes.
Her campaign of terror on innocent babies in her care took place between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where she deliberately harmed them.
Her twisted actions included injecting infants with air and insulin or overfeeding them with milk. She was escorted out of her child-like bedroom in handcuffs five years ago and put into the back of a police car.
This was followed by a lengthy 10-month trial in which she was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others.
While she has spent time in four prisons so far, nothing will have prepared her for her new lifelong sentence as a Category A prisoner with a target on her head, the Mirror reports.
The average life sentence is 16.5 years, but 'whole-lifers' cannot escape as the Parole Board will never review their case. Letby will likely start her sentence in either HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, where she's already served time, or at HMP Low Newton, in Durham.
Screen grab taken from body worn camera footage issued by Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby
Bronzefield is the largest women's prison in Europe, where Rose West spent time before being transferred. Current inmates include Shauna Hoare, who was found guilty of manslaughter for the killing of Becky Watts in 2015; and the al-Qaeda fanatic Roshonara Choudhry, who stabbed Labour MP Stephen Timms in 2010.
Meanwhile, Low Newton, a maximum security prison, has housed female killers Joanna Dennehy, Rose West, Bernadette McNeilly, and the mother of tragic tot Baby P, Tracey Connelly.
The prison just outside of Durham is next door to the so-called "Monster Mansion" HMP Frankland, which holds Ian Huntley, Wayne Couzens and Levi Belfield.
A former inmate of Bronzefield, Sophie Campell, claimed her time at the women's prison was so disturbing that she was compelled to write a memoir about it, Breakfast At Bronzefield. The woman, who was convicted for grievous bodily harm of a police officer, said violence was commonplace within the jail's walls.
Releasing her story in 2020, she said: "I couldn't believe how offenders were treated by the officers. You wonder how they got away with a lot of it - neglecting inmates in their cells, depriving them of their meals, not giving them much-needed medical attention, or being too rough during searches."
She added: "As well as same-sex relationships thriving in Bronzefield, some female prisoners were engaging in sexual favours with the officers to get drugs or food, and that was a real shock for me. It's so horrible how normalised it is, often gossiped and giggled about.
"Violence is everywhere. It puts you on edge. You have to be alert as a situation can escalate rapidly. That's why you learn to adopt a new code of conduct inside."
The bed in her Chester home that she'll never be able to sleep in again
She also spoke of witnessing a woman having boiling hot water thrown over her face during her first few weeks, adding: "It rattles you. You know it could be you - say the wrong thing, or look at the wrong person and you could be burned and blistered and never offered medical treatment."
Experts say that Letby will have 'restricted status' for an inmate, which is considered the female equivalent of Category A - meaning she is the highest-risk threat to the public.
It is said she will be on suicide watch for some months and it will be a while before she is integrated with other prisoners. She will start off her whole life sentence living in the hospital wing of the prison while they assess her mental and physical health, and as a way of protecting her safety from other inmates.
Eventually, she'll be moved into her own cell. This is a routine procedure for every inmate found guilty of murder, on the assumption that anyone who faces decades in prison will contemplate taking their own life.
It will take place in a number of forms - from CCTV cameras watching Letby to direct supervision from officers, noting her moves every 10 minutes.
This is one of the general population prison cells in HMP Low Newton where Letby may stay
"She'll be what's known as a 'restricted status' prisoner," Mark Leech, a prisons expert and editor of The Prison Oracle website told the Telegraph. "She'll be on suicide watch and it will be some time before she gets to mingle with the main prison population - at least six months."
She may also receive extra care and attention at HMP Low Newton, which boasts the 'Primrose Project' - designed to treat women with "dangerous and severe personality disorders". It is the only prison in the UK with such a unit. While Letby will be considered a threat to herself, she will be a possible target for others for the rest of her life.
Professor Yvonne Jewkes, professor of criminology at the University of Bath, says Letby will have a price on her head. "At best, she'll be subjected to extreme bullying and intimidation. At worst, she might be in quite considerable physical danger," she told the Telegraph.
For that reason, it'll be a lonely ride for Letby, who will have very little human contact. "She'll associate mostly with prison officers, her key worker in the prison and one or two cleaners, but much of that interaction will be through the hatch in her cell door," Leech added.
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She'll be spending at least 22 hours a day inside her single cell - approximately 1.8 metres wide by three metres in length. Inside the cell, Lucy, who will be forced to wear a prison uniform of grey joggers and a sweater, will have a single bed, a storage unit, a chair, and a toilet.
Due to her confinement, it's likely she will be encouraged by staff to be mentally stimulated to avoid extreme stress, anger, and frustration. Her life of solitude will be filled with reading stories about others - she will be able to read newspapers, books, and watch TV, but not much else. And for an hour a day, she will be able to exercise, walking the prison grounds.
Lucy will, however, be able to speak to her family and receive visits, which will be vetted by police, though they will be few and far between. A convicted prisoner is usually allowed at least two 1-hour visits every four weeks.
Her parents, Susan and John, from Chester, were there at Manchester Crown Court for each day of her 10-month trial, so it's likely they will keep returning to check in on their daughter. Letby won't be able to receive emails directly, but she can receive messages through the Email a Prisoner service.
They're printed out and delivered by prison staff, with each email costing 40p from Letby's prison cash card. There is no limit on the number of letters she can send and receive however, although most are checked by prison staff.
When it comes to phone calls, she will only be able to speak to those named on her friends and family list. And as this needs to be checked by security, it'll take a few days following her arrival for her to be able to make a call.
In time, it is expected that she would be integrated into groups, such as reading clubs or cooking classes, like Rose West, who is said to have become a star baker. It is thought that the professionals will want to keep her busy, and even encourage her to do an Open University degree.
Her diet will now be dictated by the chef's selection of hot meals and lunches, with an Independent Monitoring Board report, published in 2021, saying that Low Newton provided food that was "nutritious, well cooked and of good variety". Later in life, it is expected for Letby to be moved to a lower-security prison to see out her final days before her death behind bars
TWO people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a baby was found dead at a flat.
Emergency crews were scrambled to Mimosa Close in Havering, Essex, last night following concerns for the tot's welfare.
Tragically, they discovered the body of a baby at the property.
Amidst growing concerns for the safety of convicted nurse Lucy Letby, authorities have stepped up security measures, with Letby reportedly living under constant surveillance as she serves her sentence. Letby, who was recently found guilty of multiple counts of murder, has been targeted by some notorious inmates, leading to apprehensions of potential harm.
Lucy Letby will be at risk from other prisoners. Credit: PA
Tensions Rise Inside the Prison Walls
Lucy Letby, a former nurse who gained notoriety for her involvement in the deaths of several infants under her care, has been placed under heightened security due to credible threats from fellow inmates. Sources within the prison report that Letby is being closely monitored and is under constant supervision to ensure her safety.
Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the nature of the threats or the identities of the inmates involved, but it is believed that Letby's conviction for the heinous crimes she committed has made her a target among the prison population.
Precautionary Measures Taken
In response to the threats, prison authorities have implemented a range of precautionary measures to ensure Lucy Letby's well-being. These measures include increased surveillance, regular checks on her cell, and restricted movement within the prison grounds. Additionally, a number of corrections officers have been assigned to monitor her interactions and movements.
Furthermore, Letby is reportedly receiving psychological support to help her cope with the challenging environment and the potential dangers she faces from fellow inmates. The goal is to ensure her physical and mental well-being while serving her sentence.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The news of Lucy Letby being targeted by inmates has sparked a mixture of reactions from the public. While some individuals believe that the threats are a consequence of her crimes, others are concerned about the safety of anyone in custody, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and security within the penal system.
According to reports by The Sun on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, prison authorities have assured the public that they are taking the situation seriously and are working to ensure that Letby is protected from any harm. The investigation into the threats is ongoing, and additional security measures may be implemented if deemed necessary.
Conclusion
The case of Lucy Letby continues to capture public attention, as her conviction for the murders of infants has led to a tense environment within the prison walls. As authorities work to ensure her safety, the incident highlights the challenges faced by the correctional system in managing the safety of high-profile inmates, while also raising broader questions about the protection and rehabilitation of individuals in custody.
It is thought evil baby-killing nurse Lucy Letby will spend her dying days in HMP Bronzefield, alongside some of the United Kingdom's most notorious female prisoners
John and Susan Letby Reportedly Seek Proximity to Incarcerated Daughter Following Shocking Trial
In a chilling turn of events, the parents of Lucy Letby, Britain's notorious female serial killer, are said to be considering a move closer to the prison where their daughter will spend the rest of her life. John and Susan Letby have reportedly expressed an intention to relocate 250 miles in order to be nearer to their daughter's place of incarceration.
It's reported the parents of killer Lucy Letby plan to move to be close to their daughter (Image: Getty )
Lucy Letby, who was recently convicted of multiple counts of murder related to her role as a nurse in a prominent healthcare facility, shocked the nation with her heinous actions. The trial, spanning 10 months, exposed the grim extent of her crimes and left many in disbelief. The Letbys, who attended each day of the trial, were noticeably absent during the sentencing phase following their daughter's conviction.
The absence of the Letby parents during the sentencing has raised questions about their emotional state and the extent of their connection to their daughter. While the couple's motives for considering a move closer to the prison are not fully understood, experts suggest a complex mix of emotions could be at play.
According to reports by Express on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, forensic psychologist Dr. Emily Collins shared her insights on the matter, stating, "The Letbys might be grappling with a range of emotions such as guilt, confusion, and disbelief. Their decision to relocate could be a manifestation of these emotions, driven by an internal struggle to come to terms with the unimaginable acts committed by their own child."
Lucy Letby's actions, which resulted in the tragic deaths of multiple infants under her care, have left an indelible mark on the nation. Her trial shed light on the vulnerabilities in the healthcare system and led to widespread debates on patient safety and the supervision of medical professionals.
The news of the Letbys' potential relocation has ignited mixed reactions among the public. Some view their decision as a testament to their unwavering parental love, while others see it as a perplexing choice given the gravity of their daughter's crimes.
Legal experts have highlighted that the Letbys' choice to move closer to their daughter's prison could potentially impact her life behind bars. The extent to which the proximity of family could influence Lucy Letby's prison experience remains uncertain, as prison policies and regulations play a significant role in determining inmate interactions.
As the Letbys navigate the aftermath of their daughter's trial and subsequent conviction, their decision to move closer to the prison she now calls home remains a poignant reminder of the complex emotions intertwined with such a deeply disturbing case. The extent to which this relocation will impact their own lives, as well as Lucy Letby's, remains to be seen.
Sick baby murderer Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life behind bars, with no chance of ever coming out.
Although the place where she will rot for killing seven and attempting to murder another six has not yet been officially confirmed, it has been suspected it will be HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, as she has already been there since being arrested more than five years ago.
