On Tuesday 31 March, Alistair Smith and Sarah Magson attended the latest update meeting with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) regarding the proposed statutory public inquiry into failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).

While progress continues behind the scenes, the biggest concern among the families in attendance was regarding the speed of developments, particularly where immediate patient safety and transparency are concerned.

Appointment of Chair

We continue to await the appointment of a Chair to lead the inquiry. However, DHSC confirmed that contact has now been made with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Lady Chief Justice to request a shortlist of suitable candidates.

The appointment of an independent Chair is a critical step in ensuring the inquiry has the authority, independence and confidence of the families involved. We will provide further updates as soon as we know more.

Inquiry Infrastructure Beginning to Take Shape

There has been some progress in establishing the inquiry’s structure, with a recruitment process now underway for the role of Secretary to the inquiry. Interviews are expected to take place in mid-April.

Families have expressed a strong preference for the inquiry to be held in the North East, which reflects the communities most affected. DHSC has suggested that the Secretary role could be based out of a Leeds office, which may support this regional focus.

Urgent Concerns Around Patient Safety

The most pressing issue raised during the meeting was the need for immediate action to safeguard current patients.

Families and representatives emphasised that while the inquiry is being established, there are still risks within the system which cannot be ignored. There is a clear and urgent call for steps to be taken now to protect those currently receiving care ahead of the inquiry being launched.

DHSC has advised that families should raise any immediate safeguarding concerns directly with them.

Preservation of Evidence a Key Priority

Another concern raised at the meeting was in relation to the preservation of records and evidence.

Attendees stressed the importance of taking urgent action to ensure that all relevant documentation is securely retained, both within TEWV and across external bodies such as Coroners’ offices. This is essential to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of any future investigation.

Terms of Reference Still in Development

The draft Terms of Reference for the inquiry will now be updated by DHSC following this latest meeting; however, they are not yet ready for circulation.

This means that key details, including the precise scope and focus of the inquiry, are still under development. Families, with the support of our team at Ison Harrison, will continue to request clarity, transparency and meaningful input into this process.

Calls for Greater Communication and Awareness

A clear message coming from those at the meeting was the need for more regular updates and clearer communication.

There is growing concern that many affected individuals and families are unaware that the inquiry is even taking place. Increasing awareness will be vital to ensure that all those impacted have the opportunity to engage and have their voices heard.

Post-Meeting Updates

Following the meeting, the Director of the DHSC met with the Regional Chief Nurse in the North East and Yorkshire region where he explained the work he and the Chief Executive of TEWV are doing to make the Trust an open-door organisation that responds to people’s concerns. In addition, a letter will be sent to the TEWV Trust from the DHSC, making it clear that all documents pertinent to the Inquiry must be maintained.

Our Ongoing Work and Commitment

We are continuing to actively engage with families and patients across Yorkshire and the North East, where many of those impacted are based.

Ensuring that clients and families are kept informed of developments, understand their rights and options and are supported throughout what is an incredibly difficult and distressing process, continues to be our priority.

Looking Ahead

While this latest update may appear limited in terms of concrete progress, it highlights several critical issues that must be addressed as a matter of urgency, particularly around patient safety and the preservation of evidence.

We will continue to communicate directly with DHSC and other stakeholders to push for meaningful progress, transparency and accountability.

There are still many families seeking answers and it is essential that the inquiry not only moves forward, but does so with urgency, openness and a clear commitment to lasting change.

For more information contact our Middlesbrough team on 01642 070860 or email TEWVInquiry@isonharrison.co.uk.

To contact DHSC with any questions or concerns please email: TEWVInquiry@dhsc.gov.uk