Early Lampard findings could come within weeks

The chair of a public inquiry into mental health deaths said she would make interim recommendations if she identified issues that "might pose an urgent risk to patient safety".

Baroness Kate Lampard is examining the deaths of more than 2,000 people who died while under the care of Essex mental health services between 2000 and the end of 2023.

The Lampard Inquiry will hear further evidence during hearings beginning on 5 October before deciding whether recommendations were needed ahead of a final report, Baroness Lampard said.

Any recommendations were expected to focus on inpatient safety, including resuscitation procedures and monitoring technology used to detect patients in distress.

"Those two matters are not specific to Essex and therefore the evidence the inquiry hears will be of relevance to service providers across the entire country," Baroness Lampard said.

"It may carry implications for the care and treatment provided on all mental health units."

One system under examination as part of the inquiry is Oxevision, which can take footage, record breathing and pulse rates and is used by a number of NHS mental health trusts in England.

Concerns have been raised about privacy, dignity and whether the technology could be used as a substitute for face-to-face care.

Tammy Smith, whose daughter Sophie Alderman died in 2022, previously told the inquiry: "It actually takes away human interaction. They are at their most vulnerable.

"They need those conversations. They need someone to ask, 'Are you OK? Do you need anything?' We all need that."

The company behind Oxevision, LIO Health, said the technology helped prevent serious incidents, supports staff in providing care and reduces time spent on paperwork.

NHS England said any vision-based monitoring technology must support a human rights-based approach to care and be used in line with legal requirements and appropriate patient consent.

The inquiry is due to hear evidence from NHS England, the Care Quality Commission and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency during hearings between 5 and 15 October.

The latest sessions will take place at Chelmsford Civic Centre rather than in London, where previous hearings have been held.

Families will then be invited to give their views on possible recommendations during a virtual hearing on 20 October, before Baroness Lampard decides whether interim recommendations should be issued.

The inquiry's final report, which could have national implications for mental health services across England, is not expected until 2028.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.