Context
Tony Chambers was Chief Executive of the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust from 2013 until 2018. His Thirlwall Inquiry evidence addresses the consultants’ repeated requests throughout 2016 and 2017 that police be contacted, his decision to commission a service-level RCPCH review instead, and the instruction given to consultants to sign an apology letter to Lucy Letby. In July 2025 Chambers was arrested by Cheshire Police on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter; no charging decision had been announced at the time of writing.
Key passages
Tony Chambers
I took the view, on the advice I was receiving, that the correct course was an externally commissioned service review rather than a police referral. I accept, with the benefit of hindsight, that view is open to challenge.
Counsel to the Inquiry
And is it correct, Mr Chambers, that the paediatricians who had raised concerns were told — told by you or on your instruction — that they were to sign an apology to Ms Letby?
Tony Chambers
I understood it to be a step towards reconciliation on the unit. I accept it was not perceived in that way by the consultants who were asked to sign it.
What to read alongside this
See our profile of Tony Chambers, the evidence of Dr Brearey, and the September 2016 consultants’ letter.