AN MS has questioned when Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) was made aware of concerns over the high number of baby deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Serial baby killer nurse Lucy Letby was convicted by a jury of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016.

Letby will spend the rest of her life in jail for the “evil” murders and attempted murders of babies at the hospital where she worked. She was sentenced on Monday, August 21. 

Mr Millar, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for North Wales, said: "This is a harrowing time for many people in North Wales, especially those whose babies were cared for at the Countess of Chester Hospital in recent years. 

"The public in North Wales have a right to know when the BCUHB became aware of concerns over baby deaths and harm at the Countess of Chester Hospital and come clean on whether pregnant women were still being sent there after that date. 

"We need a clear statement about these issues by senior leaders in our health board as soon as possible. 

"It's not acceptable to simply wait for the forthcoming inquiry before making a statement on these things."

The UK Government has ordered an independent inquiry into the Lucy Letby case, after the nurse was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others.

It will investigate the events on the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit between 2015 and 2016 to ensure “vital lessons are learned”.

Carol Shillabeer, interim chief executive of BCUHB, said: "The experiences of the families subject to the crimes of Lucy Letby are truly harrowing and our hearts go out to them.

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“Like colleagues across the NHS, we are shocked at what has happened.

“We welcome the inquiry and look to play our full part in the NHS-wide learning that will follow.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with all the families devastated by these dreadful crimes. It is important that families get the answers that they need, and we welcome the independent inquiry announced by the government in England.

"Health boards will be responsible for providing ongoing support to families and staff involved.”