Tragic Liam Fee case has sparked NHS changes

Health chiefs told lessons have been learned since toddler’s death

Health chiefs in Fife have been assured lessons were learned after the death of toddler Liam Fee.

NHS Fife’s board heard how steps had been taken to try and protect children better after the two-year-old was murdered by his mother and partner at his home in Thornton in March 2014.

An independent review by Dr Jacqueline Mok ruled Liam’s death “could not have been predicted” and that Rachel and Nyomi Fee – both sentenced to life imprisonment for killing the youngster – were “manipulative, devious and hindered services” by playing care workers against each other.

However, it also pointed to “missed opportunities” to intervene and concluded the Fees’ explanation Liam had been self-harming was not sufficiently challenged.

Two of 20 recommendations made were specific to NHS Fife, namely that Fife’s paediatric service for children at risk of harm should be reviewed and improved and that height and weight assessments must be carried out and plotted on a growth chart where there are any concerns.

NHS Fife’s board has considered a new report highlighting how those issues – and others – have been addressed.

A senior nurse post has now been introduced to support staff within paediatrics and the emergency department to deliver child protection clinical supervision and training.

The lead paediatrician and associate specialist for child protection are now based within the paediatric department to provide easy access to specialist advice and support for medical staff.

The report revealed that in records seen by Dr Mok, there was “considerable evidence” of practitioners recording events in detail and sharing information with workers in other agencies.

One health visitor recognised the increasing level of risk and changed Liam’s health plan, while another health visitor prompted phone calls to a social worker to discuss the lack of contact between the family and health professionals.

The report added: “It was clear many individuals made strenuous efforts to act in the child’s best interests despite what was identified as disguised compliance and extreme manipulation by the mother and her partner.”

“This tragedy was simply awful,” concluded Tricia Marwick, NHS Fife chair. It was traumatic for all involved and I’m grateful that we have this report.

“We will make sure that in so far as the recommendations are concerned, these will be implemented in full.”