Fact Check: Cheshire Constabulary is Investigating Deaths in Neonatal Units from 2012 to 2016
What We Know
Cheshire Constabulary is indeed involved in an ongoing investigation related to deaths in neonatal units, specifically at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse, was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder others. According to a report from the BBC, there were 17 deaths examined by the police, with two of those cases still under active investigation. This inquiry is part of a broader public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding these deaths, which occurred between 2012 and 2016.
The inquiry has revealed that the police are reviewing the care of approximately 4,000 babies who were admitted to the hospital during Letby's employment, which spanned from January 2012 to June 2016. The review includes cases from her placements at Liverpool Women's Hospital as well. The investigation aims to determine whether any criminality occurred in response to the increased fatalities in the neonatal unit during that period (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Cheshire Constabulary is investigating deaths in neonatal units from 2012 to 2016 is partially true. While it is accurate that the police are investigating specific deaths linked to the Countess of Chester Hospital, the focus is primarily on two cases that remain under investigation, rather than a blanket investigation of all deaths during that time frame.
The source from the New York Times corroborates this by stating that the investigation has expanded to include potential gross negligence manslaughter charges against senior managers at the hospital. This indicates a broader concern about systemic issues within the hospital's management during the time of the deaths. However, it is important to note that not all deaths from 2012 to 2016 are actively being investigated; some have been ruled out due to identified natural causes (BBC).
The reliability of the sources is high, as both the BBC and the New York Times are reputable news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. They provide detailed accounts of the ongoing investigations and the context surrounding the deaths, which adds to the credibility of the information presented.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim is Partially True. While Cheshire Constabulary is indeed investigating deaths in neonatal units, the focus is specifically on two cases linked to the Countess of Chester Hospital, rather than a comprehensive investigation of all neonatal deaths from 2012 to 2016. The inquiry is ongoing, and the findings are expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
