Dr John Gibbs has told the public inquiry into the deaths of seven babies that the report’s findings were a “grim” account of events during his time at the unit and that he regretted the team’s failure to pursue suspicions. Dr Gibbs worked at the hospital in 2015–2016, the period when the murders attributed to Lucy Letby occurred.
As a consultant, he described clinical and procedural shortcomings that, in his view, allowed concerning patterns to go unchallenged. His testimony focused on missed signals in patient outcomes and on the limited follow-up when worrying episodes occurred. He said those omissions left staff and families without answers during a period of repeated neonatal losses.
The evidence presented places renewed attention on standards of neonatal care and the mechanisms that govern escalation of concerns within hospital teams. Witness accounts such as Dr Gibbs’ are being examined alongside internal reviews and disciplinary processes to identify where oversight failed and what safeguards were absent or ineffective.
The probe, which continues to gather testimony and documentary evidence, is expected to produce recommendations aimed at preventing similar failings. The testimony has added to the body of material the inquiry will consider as it assesses institutional responsibility, clinical governance and reporting channels within the NHS. Families affected by the events have sought clarity and reform; the inquiry’s conclusions will be central to defining next steps for accountability and change.