Experts have raised concerns about the reliability of statistics presented at the Thirlwall Inquiry, which suggested Lucy Letby may have tampered with infants' breathing tubes at Liverpool Women's Hospital. The inquiry, which commenced on September 9, 2024, is investigating the broader circumstances surrounding the events at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
According to Richard Baker KC, an audit revealed that breathing tube dislodgement occurred 40 times more frequently during Letby's shifts at Liverpool Women's Hospital in 2012 and 2015. However, a group of neonatologists and statisticians have challenged these figures in a letter to Lady Justice Thirlwall.
The experts argue that the presented data lacks credibility and may cause unnecessary distress. They question why such a significant increase went unnoticed for nearly a decade if the data is accurate. This concern highlights the importance of thorough data analysis in healthcare settings, especially in neonatal intensive care units where premature infants often require mechanical ventilation.
It's worth noting that scientific literature indicates a wide range of occurrence for breathing tube dislodgement in newborns, from 1% to 80% of cases. This variability underscores the complexity of neonatal care and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in managing respiratory support for premature infants.
Professor Lucy Easthope from the University of Durham raised an important point regarding a national product recall of neonatal breathing tubes in 2012. This information adds another layer of complexity to the interpretation of the statistics presented at the inquiry.
"We do not find the assertion credible and are writing to express our deep concerns over the figures presented to the Thirlwall Inquiry with regards to extubation rates."
The Thirlwall Inquiry follows Letby's conviction in August 2023 for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. In July 2024, she was also found guilty at retrial of attempting to murder a baby girl by dislodging her breathing tube.
As the inquiry progresses, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and rely on robust, peer-reviewed scientific evidence. The concerns raised by experts highlight the need for careful interpretation of medical data and the importance of considering all factors that may influence patient outcomes in neonatal care.
Cheshire Police are currently investigating potential harm to babies at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. However, it's important to note that no further charges have been brought at this time. The ongoing investigation underscores the complexity of medical malpractice cases and the need for thorough, evidence-based inquiries.