Lucy Letby inquiry reveals lack of empathy in nursing assessment
Letby failed final year placement for lacking empathy, inquiry hears
Lucy Letby initially failed her final year placement as a student nurse after being assessed as “cold” and lacking empathy, a public inquiry has heard. Nicola Lightfoot, deputy ward manager on the children’s unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital, stated that Letby did not possess the “overall characteristics” necessary to be a successful registered nurse.
Ms Lightfoot commented, “I found Lucy to be quite cold. She did not exhibit the natural warmth expected from a children’s nurse.” She added that while some students excel academically, they may lack the empathy, kindness, and ability to establish good relationships required for the role.
Ms Lightfoot noted that Letby’s clinical knowledge was “not where it should be” and that she struggled with retaining information, calculating drug dosages, and recognising side effects of common medications. A report written in July 2011 stated that Letby needed “much more support, prompting and supervision” to qualify as a competent practitioner.
Lucy Letby told colleague she 'couldn't wait for her first death' on her first day of work as a nurse, public inquiry hears https://t.co/2VWGiokCQp pic.twitter.com/LH2XfSs0N3
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) October 14, 2024
Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders after her conviction at Manchester Crown Court for murdering seven infants and attempting to murder six others between June 2015 and June 2016. The public inquiry into Letby’s crimes is taking place at Liverpool Town Hall, with findings expected by late autumn 2025.
Ms Lightfoot revealed she overheard an “inappropriate” comment from Letby following the deaths of two triplet boys in June 2016. Letby, 34, from Hereford, was later convicted of murdering the two babies. Ms Lightfoot recalled Letby saying, “You’ll never guess what’s happened,” in a tone that seemed more excited than appropriate for the situation. She added, “It wasn’t an appropriate response to the death of a child. I have never seen such a response from a nurse involved in a patient’s passing.”
The inquiry learned that Letby requested a different supervisor because she felt “intimidated” by Ms Lightfoot. She later passed the areas she initially failed after completing a four-week retrieval placement with a new supervisor. Sarah Jayne Murphy, Letby’s next mentor, admitted feeling “conflicted” about passing her but confirmed she had met the required standards.
"There has been a huge element of dishonesty throughout this process and I want to ensure that you all hear my perspective and are aware of the impact your actions have had on me."
Lucy Letby's letter to her accusers has been made public by the inquiry: https://t.co/ZrXkgSw1Al pic.twitter.com/mbFwetjYyu
— The Trials of Lucy Letby (@LucyLetbyTrials) October 8, 2024
Ms Murphy, who also mentored Letby in her first year as a student nurse, described her as “quiet” and “shy.” She noted, “She didn’t show good inter-personal skills with children, parents, nurses, or the wider team.” Ms Murphy also mentioned that Letby often had an “expressionless look,” which made interactions awkward for other staff members.
Janet Cox, another nurse, told the inquiry she had no concerns or suspicions about Letby’s conduct, considering her an “exemplary nurse” who was innocent of the alleged crimes. Ms Cox remarked, “Obviously any death is a worry, but I did not think there was anything sinister about the increase in the number of deaths or collapses.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Standard. Lucy Letby initially failed her final year nurse placement due to her “cold” demeanor and lack of empathy, raising concerns about her suitability for caring roles from the early stages of her career.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Lucy Letby initially fail her final year placement?
She was assessed as ‘cold’ and lacking empathy, and her clinical knowledge wasn’t up to standard.
What did Nicola Lightfoot say about Lucy Letby’s characteristics?
Lightfoot said Letby was ‘cold’ and lacked the natural warmth expected from a children’s nurse.
How did Lucy Letby eventually pass her placement?
She completed a four-week retrieval placement with a new supervisor.
What comment did Lucy Letby make after the deaths of two triplet boys?
She said, ‘You’ll never guess what’s happened,’ in an inappropriate tone.
When are the findings of the public inquiry expected?
The findings are expected by late autumn 2025.
