On 11th December 2025, it was announced that there would be a statutory public inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust, following years of mounting concern over patient safety, governance failures and preventable deaths.

We are representing many families through inquests, investigations and sustained advocacy and we are here to help you too. Click here to complete our dedicated TEWV inquiry form.

If you believe you have been affected by the failings at the (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust, call Ison Harrison solicitors today for a FREE no-obligation chat on 01642 070860 or email TEWVInquiry@isonharrison.co.uk.

What Is The TEWV Public Inquiry?

TEWV, one of the largest mental health trusts in England, has been under intense scrutiny for years following a number of incidents.

These include the deaths of vulnerable patients alongside persistent concerns around patient safety, staffing pressures and the trust’s leadership culture. Although several investigations and reviews have been carried out, families have repeatedly said these processes did not go far enough, citing a lack of openness, independence and any real ability to compel key evidence.

Against that backdrop, the decision to establish a statutory public inquiry carries real weight. Unlike earlier examinations, this inquiry will have the legal powers needed to summon witnesses, require evidence to be given under oath and demand the release of relevant documents. For families who have spent years pushing for answers, it marks more than a formal step forward; it offers a meaningful chance for the full truth to finally come to light.

How Can Ison Harrison Help?

Our personal injury and inquest specialists Sarah Magson, Alistair Smith and Dawn Makepeace are supporting many families who have campaigned tirelessly for meaningful accountability after tragic losses under the trust’s care.

Tragic Deaths of Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif and Emily Moore

There has recently been a Pre-Inquest Review Hearing following the tragic deaths of Christie Harnett and Nadia Sharif at West Lane Hospital, Middlesbrough, a children’s hospital operated by Tees Esk and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) in June and August 2019 respectively.

There have been openings of their inquests in the summer of 2019 and from then extensive investigations into their deaths, both by NICHE at the bequest of NHS England, and the Care quality Commission with a resultant prosecution in respect of Christie’s death against TEWV in which there was a guilty plea.

The NICHE report into Christie’s death identified 29 Care Delivery ‘Problems’ and 20 Service Delivery ‘problems’ whilst for Nadia the numbers were 26 and 21 respectively. The reports were scathing of the failings at West Lane Hospital. Emily Moore was an inpatient at West Lane with Christie and Nadia, being taken out by her mum and dad after Christie’s death and going to another trust for care. However, on turning 18 years, in NHS terms,  you become an adult and despite her parents wishes not to have her returned to TEWV, she was put in an adult ward at Lanchester Road hospital suffering fatal injuries 10 days later.

West Lane Hospital was closed following Nadia’s death and has not re-opened, although part of one ward is operated by a different trust.

Our personal injury & inquests solicitor, Alistair Smith, is representing the families of Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif and Emily Moore.

TEWV Public Inquiry

Alistair Smith comments:

“For years, families have campaigned with extraordinary determination for truth, justice and accountability. A statutory public inquiry, with the power to compel witnesses, is essential to uncovering what went wrong and why. This process is critical not only to learning lessons, but to delivering real change and restoring trust in the system. What these families want is simple: that no other family has to go through what they have endured. We at Ison Harrison Solicitors are incredibly proud to support them and to be part of that change.”

If you believe you or your loved ones have been affected by the care provided by the TEWV NHS Foundation Trust, please get in touch with us and we can support you as this public inquiry is set to unfold.

You can also complete the dedicated TEWV inquiry form.

Call us now on 01642 070860 or email TEWVInquiry@isonharrison.co.uk.

Why Choose Ison Harrison?

  • Highly experienced – The personal injury and inquest team at Ison Harrison has a wealth of experience in providing advice and support and are known for going the extra mile.
  • Founded Rebuild Trust – We are acutely aware that a significant number of TEWV service users have been traumatised by what they experienced and witnessed at the former West Lane Hospital. The members of the dedicated Public Inquiry team co-founded Rebuildtrust.co.uk to help and support families and individuals.
  • Accreditations – Our team is trained and qualified to a high level, and is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel.
  • Quality client care – We show professionalism and compassion to individuals and families. We manage caseloads to allow a personable experience and a high level of individual client care from a designated lawyer on hand to answer any queries efficiently through e-mail, telephone or post. We are happy to meet you at your home, at our offices or at a location convenient to you.