Mental health Lampard Inquiry chair vows to 'seek out' truth

Site Admin • 11 May 2025
sad man

source: BBC News
published: 28 April 2025

The chair of England's first public inquiry into mental health deaths vowed to "seek out the truth" - despite difficulties getting documents from the NHS.

The first key evidence sessions in the Lampard Inquiry - examining more than 2,000 deaths at NHS inpatient units in Essex between 2000 and 2023 - have begun in London.


Baroness Lampard said although the hearing was "breaking new ground", 21 legal notices had been issued to NHS organisations to force them to submit evidence.

"We will seek out the truth," she said, adding she would not hesitate to use her legal powers "to the fullest extent necessary to compel the production of evidence where it's not provided".


Baroness Lampard said the inquiry was of "national significance" as it focussed on "the big critical concerns about what went wrong over almost a quarter of a century".

Counsel to the inquiry, Nicholas Griffin KC, said: "We have been unimpressed with a significant number of requests for deadline extensions... and the number of occasions where providers have not given the material expressly asked for."


He said there were problems with the condition of paper records, "missing documents" and providers, including private ones, sending information late.


Mr Griffin said it was a criminal offence to suppress, conceal, alter, or destroy relevant evidence and said providers should be properly resourced to respond to the inquiry.


He said the inquiry should not be delayed because of it.


Read the full article here >

Balloons

West Bromwich mental health charity wins national award

by Site Admin • 3 November 2026
Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation based in West Bromwich, has been named Small Business of the Year at the 2026 Black Talent Awards held at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
A group of people in silhouette

Work stress or job hunting getting you down? (mental health support)

by Site Admin • 3 November 2026
If you’re in the West Midlands, aged 18 to 24, and looking for a job or struggling to cope at work, Qwell can help. There is no cost, no waiting lists and no referral needed to use this unique service.
Computer work stations

Catalyst Launches Community Engagement Research’ webinars

by Site Admin • 3 November 2026
In October, Catalyst launched its Community Engagement Research webinar series to promote CHERP, a trusted hub linking researchers with underserved African and Caribbean communities.
Woman lookng out of a window

Community Counselling across Birmingham and Solihull

by Site Admin • 3 November 2026
Community Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to talk through difficult experiences or life situations. Free short-term counselling for adults aged 18 and over in Birmingham or Solihull.
More posts