Chair hits out at government delay to mental health deaths inquiry

Baroness Kate Lampard said she has been unable to begin substantive work on the probe while still waiting for sign-off from government. 

An inquiry was launched in 2021 to review the deaths of at least 2,000 people in contact with Essex mental health services across a 20-year period.

Baroness Lampard took over as chair last year after it gained new powers to compel people to give evidence, following concerns not enough staff were coming forward.

She has proposed expanding its scope by a further two years until 2022 due to ongoing concerns and to cover NHS patients treated in the private sector.

The final terms of reference will be set by the health secretary Victoria Atkins. Baroness Lampard said she has not heard back from the Department of Health and Social Care on her proposals since submitting them three months ago.

In an update posted on the inquiry website last week, she said: “In the absence of the terms of reference, I am unable to begin the substantive work of the inquiry.

“I acknowledge the seriousness of the issues which lie at the heart of this inquiry and recognise the suffering and loss which many have endured. I am committed to delivering a thorough report quickly and effectively…

“I am disappointed that I have not received the final terms of reference and have therefore been unable to start the inquiry process.”

The chair, who previously led an inquiry into Jimmy Saville and the NHS, has written to the health secretary Victoria Atkins to ask for an update. 

A DHSC spokesman said the terms of reference were being considered. He said: “Ministers have held discussions with Essex MPs and are planning to meet a representative group of families before the Easter parliamentary recess to discuss this issue further.”

Families have been raising concerns over a lack of engagement both from government and the inquiry, including in a letter sent to Baroness Lampard on Monday.