Inquiry into deaths of Essex mental health patients given legal powers

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, announced in Parliament this week (28 June) that the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry is changing to a statutory inquiry.

Barclay told the Commons that under the new powers anyone refusing to give evidence could be fined.

The Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry is investigating matters surrounding the deaths of mental health inpatients across NHS Trusts in Essex between 2000 and 2020.

The Inquiry will hear evidence from families, carers, and friends of those who died, as well as staff, former-staff, relevant professionals, and organisations.

Commenting on the conversion of the Inquiry to statutory status, Dr Geraldine Strathdee, the inquiry's chair, said: “Today the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced that the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry will be granted statutory status under the Inquiries Act 2005. I requested these powers for the Inquiry […] and I wholeheartedly welcome this news.

“I am confident that statutory status will allow the Inquiry to deliver a full and robust report and make recommendations that will lead to much needed improvements.”

She also revealed that due to health reasons, she has taken the decision to hand over the role of Chair.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Everyone receiving care in a mental health facility should feel safe and be confident they’re receiving world-class treatment.

“We take any failure to do so seriously and that’s why the Essex inquiry was launched and I’m now taking further action to give it the necessary legal powers, to help improve inpatient safety and learn the lessons of the past.”

The Department of Health and Social Care revealed that a new Inquiry chair will be announced in “due course”.

Responding to the Government’s announcement on 28 June, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) said in a statement: “Patient safety is our absolute priority and we welcome the Inquiry as an opportunity to learn lessons to ensure the best and safest care possible for our patients.”

Lottie Winson