Wes Streeting announced the news to grieving families who have spent years campaigning for a probe into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS trust as he met them in Darlington this afternoon (December 11).
Families arriving at the Mercure in Darlington where they learnt a statutory public inquiry would be called. (Image: SARAH CALDCOTT)
TEWV has been dogged by calls for a public inquiry after being convicted and fined over the deaths of two patients and blamed at inquests for contributing to the deaths of others, slammed by watchdogs, and branded as ‘requiring improvement’.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “I am deeply grateful to all the families who have taken the time to speak to me and share their harrowing experiences. What happened to their loved ones is unacceptable. Their courageous and tireless campaigning – not only on behalf of their families but for everyone in urgent need of mental health support – has been nothing short of inspirational.
“Everyone receiving mental health care should get safe, high-quality care and be treated with dignity and respect. The care their loved ones experienced fell well short of that mark, with tragic consequences.
“Following several meetings with these families this year and after careful consideration, I have decided that in the circumstances, a statutory inquiry is the best way to ensure they get the truth and accountability they deserve.”
The Secretary of State believes previous investigations have not been sufficiently comprehensive and not covered all the deaths in the care of the trust.
The probe will be a full statutory inquiry, meaning it will have the power to call witnesses.
The Trust provides mental health services across County Durham, Darlington, Teesside and North Yorkshire.
Mr Streeting said families made a “strong case” for the probe when he first met them in February, and at the time thanked families for “sharing their harrowing experiences, not only of losing loved ones but also encountering significant failings of care.”
Wes Streeting arriving at the Mercure Hotel in Darlington on Thursday (December 11) where he announced a full statutory public inquiry into TEWV. (Image: SARAH CALDCOTT)
West Park Hospital in Darlington, run by TEWV. (Image: SARAH CALDCOTT)
He set himself a deadline of March 31 to come back to them with a decision and met them again in Middlesbrough at the end of March, but families remained in the dark until today.
The Department of Health previously said care “fell well below the safe, high-quality standards that patients should expect”.
The Northern Echo has been campaigning alongside families to demand a statutory public inquiry, and included it in our election manifesto last year, which was backed by the Labour government.
TEWV has repeatedly said it would “co-operate fully as required with openness and transparency” with any inquiry.
Alison Smith, chief executive of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust said: “First and foremost, I extend my deepest sympathy to everyone affected by these tragic losses.
“With the public inquiry now confirmed, we will fully support the process with transparency, openness and humility. Above all, we are committed to listening, reflecting, and taking meaningful action to ensure that we continually improve as an organisation.”