Statement from Harrogate Hospital Chief Executive following the Lucy Letby trial
Jonathan Coulter says steps are being taken across the NHS to keep patients safe
The chief exec of Harrogate Hospital's reassuring the community steps are being taken across the NHS to keep patients safe while in their care.
Jonathan Coulter's comments come in the week Lucy Letby was handed a whole life term for killing seven babies and trying to murder six others.
In a statement, he also says the case is a stark reminder of how important it is that the NHS listens carefully to the concerns of patients, families and staff.
Here is the statement in full:
'Dear colleagues, parents/carers and service users,
'Following the outcome of the trial of Lucy Letby, the NHS has expressed our profound apologies to all of the families. Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) would like to reassure our present and future parents and families that steps are being taken across the NHS to keep patients safe.
'These unspeakable crimes have shocked and sickened staff across the NHS and HDFT, just as they have the entire nation. These acts were a profound betrayal of patient trust, and we appreciate how distressed and concerned this can leave people feeling.
'The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that there will be an independent, non-statutory inquiry into the events at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
'Although these appalling crimes were the actions of a single individual, this case is a stark reminder of how important it is that the NHS listens carefully to the concerns of patients, families and staff.
'We want everyone to feel safe and confident to speak up. If you have any questions or concerns about the care we are providing or you need to raise a safety concern at HDFT please contact the Patient Experience Team at hdft.patientexperience@nhs.net.
'Yours sincerely,
'Jonathan Coulter
'Chief Executive
'Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust'