Lampard Inquiry: Statutory Inquiry into deaths in Essex mental health services to resume

On 9 September 2024, a statutory public inquiry opened into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex.

The Lampard Inquiry was set up to investigate the deaths of mental health inpatients (ToR here) in Essex between 2000 and 2023. This is the first public inquiry into mental health services that has ever been held in England and established by a Minister.

The Inquiry’s current public hearing will be held from 28 April to 15 May 2025. The hearing will be in-person at Arundel House in London and will also be streamed online for those wishing to follow the proceedings remotely. You can view the April Hearing’s timetable.

Maya Sikand KC, and Laura Profumo act for three bereaved families and one former patient represented by Emma Jones of Leigh Day and for one bereaved family instructed by Aimee Brackfield of Irwin Mitchell.

Fiona Murphy KC and Sophy Miles act for two bereaved families and a former patient instructed by Jane Ryan of Bhatt Murphy Solicitors.

Tom Stoate acts for three bereaved families instructed by Rachel Harger and Khariya Ali of Bindmans led by Brenda Campbell KC.

The hearings will consider key contextual evidence regarding the provision of mental health inpatient care in Essex, as well as systemic issues affecting service delivery. Evidence will be presented by Essex healthcare providers and other relevant organisations. Families and individuals with lived experience will not provide evidence at the April hearing.