Families Share Heartbreaking Accounts at Mental Health Deaths Inquiry
Bereaved families and friends have recently presented compelling testimony as England’s first public inquiry into mental health-related fatalities continues. Over the past two weeks, the Lampard Inquiry has been dedicated to understanding the experiences of individuals and their loved ones within the mental health system. The inquiry is currently examining over 2,000 deaths that occurred in Essex between 2000 and 2023, seeking to identify systemic issues and prevent future tragedies.
The hearings, taking place at Arundel House in London, have featured a dozen individuals sharing deeply personal accounts of interactions with mental health services. These testimonies have detailed the complexities surrounding admissions processes, the quality of communication, medication management, and the overall care received by those who tragically died. The inquiry aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances leading to these deaths and offer recommendations for improvement.
Understanding the Scope of the Lampard Inquiry
Initiated in September 2024, the Lampard Inquiry is chaired by Baroness Lampard, who is expected to publish her final report and recommendations by mid-2028. The investigation centers on deaths occurring within child and adult inpatient units, with a specific focus on the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) and the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), as well as their predecessor organizations.
The inquiry’s work is structured around several key themes, including ensuring physical and sexual safety within mental health facilities, scrutinizing patient assessments conducted under the Mental Health Act, evaluating medication practices, and improving communication channels with families. To date, approximately 100 families who have experienced loss have contributed their evidence to the inquiry.
Recent Testimony Highlights Systemic Concerns
Recent sessions of the inquiry featured poignant evidence from individuals directly impacted by the mental health system. Sam Cook provided testimony regarding the care her sister, Paula Parretti, received from Essex mental health services prior to her death in 2022. Between February 2nd and 16th, twelve families and friends shared their stories, detailing the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones.
Among those who presented evidence was Lisa Morris, who expressed her belief that her son, Ben Morris, may have been unlawfully killed rather than died by suicide. The 20-year-old was discovered deceased in his room at the Linden Centre in Chelmsford in December 2008, after a three-week stay as an inpatient. Lisa Morris and Melanie Leahy were pivotal in advocating for a full, judge-led public inquiry into these deaths.
Inquiry Faces Delays and Calls for Urgency
Future hearings are scheduled to continue at Arundel House in London throughout the year, including pre-recorded evidence sessions in April and further sessions in July and October focusing on specific areas of concern. However, the inquiry recently announced the cancellation of a public evidence session planned for April-May, opting instead to utilize that time for the pre-recorded testimonies. Baroness Lampard cited delays in receiving crucial documentation – including witness statements and relevant documents – from EPUT and other organizations as a contributing factor.
Maya Sikand KC, representing families through three legal firms, voiced “urgent concerns” and described encountering “a wall of silence” from the inquiry team. She cautioned that without a clear and expedited plan, the inquiry risks failing to achieve its objectives within the allocated timeframe. EPUT Chief Executive Paul Scott issued a statement apologizing for past failures within Essex mental health services and pledged continued support to the inquiry’s work. Closing statements are currently anticipated in June 2027.
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