The Government’s has said there will be a statutory public inquiry into Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
The announcement was made during a recent meeting between MPs, families, affected patients, and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting.
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.
Tom Gordon MP said:
Today’s announcement is a landmark moment, a huge victory for the families who have fought with extraordinary courage, determination and dignity for justice. Many of them have endured devastating loss, and their persistence is the reason the Government has finally taken this step.
I strongly welcome this full public inquiry, but it cannot be an excuse to delay action. People are still receiving care from this Trust today. Immediate steps are needed to protect patients and begin rebuilding trust.
I will continue to work alongside the families and constituents I have met whose lives have been so deeply affected. We must ensure that lessons are finally learned and that such tragic and systemic failures can never happen again.
