Lucy Letby, the former neonatal nurse convicted of multiple infant murders, left a haunting impression on the mother of a premature baby boy shortly before the infant’s death. In a chilling moment recounted during the ongoing public inquiry at the Countess of Chester Hospital, Letby reportedly told the mother, a GP, that she believed her son was going to die—just moments after injecting him with air, which led to his death.
The incident took place in the early hours of June 2015. The mother was abruptly awakened by panicked nurses who informed her that her son, known as Baby C, had collapsed unexpectedly. Rushed to the neonatal unit, she was confronted with a frantic scene where doctors were desperately attempting to resuscitate her newborn. In a state of confusion and distress, she was asked by a nurse she had never met before, “Would you like me to call a priest?”
The mother, disoriented by the gravity of the situation, had not fully grasped the possibility that her son might not survive until that moment. “Even though I was faced with a situation where my son was having CPR, I was still quite confused and disorientated as to what was going on,” she told the inquiry. “Until I was asked that question, it really didn’t hit me that there was a chance he was going to die.”
When the nurse—believed to be Letby—responded to her query about her son’s survival with a somber, “Yes, I think so,” the mother was still unfamiliar with her name and had not previously interacted with her. Baby C, who had been born 10 weeks premature and weighed only 1lb 12oz, became the second infant victim of Letby in the span of a week. Despite his fragile start, the medical team had not anticipated his death, and his sudden collapse and subsequent death baffled the doctors.
The inquiry revealed that Letby had deliberately caused Baby C’s death by injecting air into his stomach through a feeding tube, which compromised his breathing. The gravity of the situation underscores the unsettling reality of Letby’s actions and the profound impact on the families affected.
A Mother’s Tireless Pursuit of Justice
In another poignant testimony, the mother of a different infant victim, referred to as Baby D, received commendation from Lady Justice Thirlwall for her relentless efforts to uncover the truth behind her daughter’s death. Baby D, the third infant killed by Letby within a fortnight, was born three weeks prematurely, weighing 6lbs 14oz. She had been receiving treatment for an infection when Letby attacked her three times during a single night shift, ultimately killing her with an injection of air.
The bereaved mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous, shared her emotional struggle during the inquiry. She described experiencing severe distress, including contemplating suicide, as she grappled with the inexplicable circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death. Her frustration was compounded by the initial dismissal of her concerns by medical professionals and the lack of immediate police intervention.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, including initial resistance to involving law enforcement, the mother’s determination never wavered. Lady Justice Thirlwall praised her for her unwavering commitment and perseverance. “At great personal cost you have never given up, and your evidence to the inquiry leaves everyone listening in no doubt of your determination and persistence on behalf of your daughter and for you and your husband. You have done everything you could.”
Calls for Enhanced Hospital Surveillance
The inquiry has also spotlighted issues related to hospital surveillance. Baby D’s mother suggested that the presence of CCTV cameras in the neonatal unit might have prevented her daughter’s murder. In response, the inquiry has prompted a review of surveillance practices across neonatal units in England, asking hospitals to consider the installation of CCTV to safeguard against similar tragedies.
The mother recounted her unease around Letby, despite never having interacted directly with her. She noted Letby’s presence during her daughter’s final moments, describing her as an observer who did nothing to assist as medical staff fought to save Baby D. This unsettling detail highlights the chilling demeanor of Letby amidst the crisis.
Conclusion
The public inquiry into Lucy Letby’s crimes continues to reveal the harrowing impact of her actions on the families affected. The testimonies of the mothers and the scrutiny of hospital practices underscore the need for comprehensive measures to ensure patient safety and prevent future tragedies. As the inquiry progresses, the search for justice and accountability remains paramount, with the aim of preventing such devastating events from recurring in the future.
