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Inquiry chair appointed over NHS trust failings

Pamela TickellNorth East and Cumbria
News imageIson Harrison Twenty-three people, men and women, sit in three rows and look solemnly at the camera. They are in a white room sitting on a grey platform. Most of the people at the front have their hands clasped over their knees.Ison Harrison
Families campaigned for a public inquiry into the NHS trust for many years

The chair of a public inquiry into mental health care at an NHS trust has been named following months of delays.

His Honour Judge John Potter was appointed chair of the probe into serious failings at the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).

Families, including those of teenagers Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif and Emily Moore, who died by suicide following care at the trust, previously said they were "in limbo" over the delays.

The inquiry, which starts on Monday and which TEWV said it would fully support, will give "survivors and families the opportunity to be heard and drive urgent improvements", the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

Potter is a retired circuit judge and former deputy judge of the criminal division of the Court of Appeal. He has more than 40 years' experience in public service, the government said.

He said his first priority was to meet and listen to those affected.

"Their voices and experiences will be central to the inquiry's work and will help inform the development of its terms of reference," Potter said.

News imageFamily handouts A composite image showing the faces of Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif and Emily Moore. Miss Harness has shoulder-length auburn hair and blue eyes. She is smiling at the camera. Miss Sharif has long dark hair and brown eyes. She is looking at the camera, posing with a neutral expression. Miss Moore has long light brown hair with a side parting and brown eyes. She smiles at the camera.Family handouts
The families of Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif and Emily Moore were among those frustrated by the lack of action

The inquiry, which was launched in December, aimed to establish what happened following "serious failings in mental health care at TEWV, why failings occurred and what needs to change to help ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care", the DHSC said.

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper added the families were "let down" by the trust and had suffered "immeasurable pain".

TEWV previously said it would fully support the public inquiry process with "transparency, openness and humility".

It said it was committed to listening, reflecting and taking meaningful action to improve the experiences for patients, families, carers and staff, "so those who have been affected hear how sorry we are".

Lawyers representing those affected previously said they were told an inquiry chair would be appointed by the end of February, along with the terms of reference.

Firm Ison Harrison, who said they were representing 130 individuals and families affected, said the lack of progress undermined the "confidence in the government's commitment to uncovering the truth".

The DHSC said the appointment followed 159 new NHS mental health facilities across England, backed by £343m in funding.

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