Ruth Millward, who previously managed risk and patient safety at the Countess of Chester Hospital, addressed allegations that she questioned the fairness of Lucy Letby’s investigation.
During her appearance at a public inquiry, Millward refuted claims that she had expressed doubt over Letby being investigated for the deaths of infants.
She stated she couldn’t recall making such a comment and added that it wasn’t a phrase she would typically use.
Millward’s Perspective on Neonatal Unit Operations
Millward acknowledged her concerns about the neonatal unit’s operations, admitting she found the unit poorly managed.
However, she denied accusations of referring to Letby as a “scapegoat” for systemic issues.
The department transferred Letby into an administrative role under Millward’s supervision in July 2016 after several doctors raised concerns following the deaths of two triplet brothers, known as Baby O and Baby P, on consecutive shifts.
Both infants were fatally injected with air, while their surviving sibling was transferred to another facility for safety.
Letby’s Extended Administrative Role and Concerns Raised
Despite being moved to an administrative position, Letby continued to receive her full salary until her arrest in 2018.
Another hospital staff member testified that Letby could still access sensitive patient information during this period, which included records linking her to the infant deaths.
Reflecting on this, Millward admitted that, in hindsight, it would have been wiser to assign Letby to a different department.
Although initially intended to last about eight weeks, Letby’s role in administration stretched out due to an extended external review and Letby’s employment grievance challenging her redeployment.
Claims of Scapegoating Denied
Millward refuted claims that she had allegedly described Letby as a scapegoat in conversations overheard by colleagues.
When asked by inquiry counsel Nicholas de la Poer KC if she considered Letby a scapegoat, Millward responded that there wasn’t enough information at the time to make that assessment.
Her primary concern, she explained, was the disorganized nature of the unit and the awaited results from an external review.
Statements on Police Comments and Transparency Issues
De la Poer referenced a record from a 2019 conversation with Cheshire Police in which Millward allegedly described Letby’s investigation as “unjust.”
Millward denied this, insisting it was not language she would use and that she did not recall discussing her views on Letby with the police.
Additionally, she commented on the consultants’ handling of their concerns, criticizing their bypassing of the established governance system and lack of traceable documentation, which, in her opinion, limited the transparency and oversight that broader group discussions would provide.
Inquiry Timeline and Next Steps
Lucy Letby, now 34, is serving life sentences for the murders of seven infants and the attempted murders of seven others between June 2015 and June 2016.
This inquiry into the case is expected to continue through early 2025, with a final report anticipated in the autumn of that year.
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