In July the Inquiry will be holding hearings to look at emerging and important issues relevant to the Inquiry. The Chair will use the evidence heard at these hearings to help inform her decision on whether the Inquiry may consider issuing interim recommendations. The hearing has been refocused, principally in response to emerging evidence and areas requiring the Inquiry’s urgent attention, and partly due to ongoing issues relating to Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s (EPUT) engagement with the Inquiry.
In response to these urgent emerging matters, the Chair has determined that the July 2026 hearing will now focus on:
- Observations and Use of Technology: The Inquiry will explore an evidence-led examination relevant to system learning and potential interim recommendations. This includes exploring the continued use of Oxevision.
- Resuscitation: Emerging area of concern arising from multiple accounts may inform the Chair’s consideration of potential interim recommendations or further evidential directions. The Chair will begin hearing evidence on this issue in July.
- Further Evidence from bereaved families: Families remain central to the Inquiry’s work and the Chair wishes to invite a number of further families to provide evidence at this hearing.
- Core Participant Submissions: Focused oral submissions from Core Participants on the topic areas covered at the hearing, as appropriate.
- EPUT Engagement and Compliance Issues: Examination of issues relating to EPUT’s engagement with the Inquiry.
Commenting on these new areas of focus, Baroness Lampard said:
“In July I will be hearing matters of huge importance to the care and treatment of mental health inpatients in Essex and nationally. Where necessary, subject to what I hear in July, I will not hesitate to make interim recommendations for change.’’
In parallel to announcing the July timetable, the Chair has sent an open letter to all bereaved families setting out information relating to July, the website and a new ‘families’ section of the website that is under development and to ensure all families have the opportunity to engage with the Inquiry’s case summary process. A copy of that letter can be found on the Inquiry website here.
A witness list for the July hearing will be published on the Inquiry website as soon as possible before the hearing. An information pack for the July Hearing is on our logistical information page, this provides details about the hearing venue and facilities, how to register to attend, and the Inquiry’s support offer. The pack also outlines the expected conduct of all attendees.
