Nurse quizzed over 8 deaths

BY PAUL BYRNE deaths at the Chester hospital in May last year, initially looking at 15 between THE investigation into the alleged June 2015 and June 2016. murders of newborn babies has been On Tuesday, they said the probe had widened to a second hospital. widened to 17 deaths and 15 non-fatal

And as police continued to question a collapses between March 2015 and July nurse yesterday, more anxious mothers 2016. Police have been searching Letby’s raised fears over their children’s care. semi-detached house a mile away from

Lucy Letby, 28, was arrested on the hospital, and officers have also been Tuesday on suspicion of the murder of seen at the home of her parents, John, 72, eight babies and attempted murder of and Susan, 58, in Hereford. six at the Countess of Chester Hospital. A relative of one of the alleged victims

She has been employed there since who survived said the boy, who collapsed graduating in 2011. in the neonatal unit She also did work two years ago, has placements at suffered continuing Liverpool Women’s health problems. Hospital, including The mum of one in 2013. another child who

Health chiefs in is understood to Merseyside said they have been cared for were co-operating by Letby in 2016 with the inquiry. said: “I met her a

Meanwhile, news of few times, she was Letby’s arrest on completely normal.” Tuesday shocked She added: “One former Countess of my friend’s babies

Police officers at Letby’s house patients. One mum, is one of the ones whose baby collapsed during treatment that collapsed. It would never cross my in 2013 but later recovered, has mind those caring for them could do contacted police to raise her concerns. them any harm.”

Victoria Whitfield, 39, of Chester, Another mum, 36, said her baby’s recognised photos of Letby as a member ventilation tube became blocked in 2012 of staff at the neonatal unit when her after he had suffered a collapsed lung. daughter Felicity suddenly became Police have not named the arrested seriously ill with collapsed lungs. healthcare worker. The Countess of

She said: “I cannot honestly say Chester has declined to comment on whether she was directly involved with whether any staff have been suspended. Felicity as she seemed to be a normal, Liverpool Women’s Hospital quiet nurse just going about her job.” confirmed the person being questioned

Police launched a probe into infant carried out work placements there.