The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough welcomed Head of Abuse Law and Public Inquiries at Slater & Gordon, Richard Scorer to an event with constituents to demystify the long-campaigned for Inquiry into mental health care provided by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust. Discussing how local people affected by the inadequate care received can get involved in the Inquiry, Tom Gordon implores those impacted to reach out.
Mr Scorer demystified key parts of the Inquiry, explaining that its statutory nature gives it full legal powers-requiring evidence to be given under oath and the Trust to provide legal documentation. While it cannot convict individuals of criminal offences or directly remove them from their jobs, it can give recommendations to investigate how someone practices medicine for example, which in turn can have that effect.
It’s still early days, with the Inquiry being announced a fortnight after Tom raised the issue in a question and letter directly to the Prime Minister late last year. A Chair and Terms of Reference have yet to be set, with consultation still ongoing to ensure a proper geographic coverage, including in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Core participant status is a key way to get involved, Scorer explained. The basic rule is that you are entitled if you have a significant interest in the issue-in this instance if you or a loved one has been affected by inadequate care from the Trust. Core participants are entitled to legal representation- there will be no legal costs for those selected. They can see and comment on documents and instruct lawyers to question witnesses. This can allow insight into where things went wrong and you to contribute your thoughts and questions.
Tom Gordon MP said:
I struggle to see how TEWV NHS Foundation can continue in its current form.
As this Inquiry begins, it needs input from local people as core participants. They’re essential to the much-needed change it needs at a structural and organisational level.
Richard is helping people to understand the process and is a great advocate for the cause, having previously worked on the Manchester Arena bombing inquiry. I encourage anyone who has been impacted to reach out to him at richard.scorer@slatergordon.uk.
Likewise, I have been working directly with people have lost family members and constituents who have been deeply, personally affected. If you want support from my parliamentary office throughout the process, contact us at tom.gordon.mp@parliament.uk.
