Mental health failings cited in NHS 10-year plan

Mental health services where more than 2,000 in-patients died between 2000 and the end of 2023 have been cited in the government's 10-Year Health Plan as an example of poor practice, a lawyer told a hearing.

The Lampard Inquiry into the care of patients saw counsel Nicolas Griffin reference the government's comments, acknowledging systemic and avoidable harm in mental health services, including in Essex.

The health plan cites issues like toxic culture, incompetent leadership, rampant blame and a lack of transparency.

The fourth public Lampard hearing will focus on evidence from bereaved families over the next two weeks.

The majority of mental health services in Essex are now run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

Independent lawyer for the inquiry, Mr Griffin, told the hearing that personal testimonies would guide its investigations into any systemic failings.

"The Inquiry is aware that many families and friends have through their experiences sadly become experts in various different areas of mental ill-health, care and treatment," said Mr Griffin.

"It values that knowledge and intends to liaise with families engaging with the Inquiry and their representatives in relation to the investigation of systemic issues where relevant in each case."

He said key themes found in relatives' statements included accounts of inadequate care, poor communication, unsafe environments, and a lack of accountability.

Mr Griffin said the inquiry had also been monitoring recent deaths and inquests, including the 2021 death of Elise Sebastian under EPUT care.

An inquest jury at Essex Coroner's Court concluded that "poorly administered observations" contributed to the 16-year-old's death.

EPUT - which runs the unit - and chief executive Paul Scott apologised to Elise's family.

Mr Griffin said further deaths in mental health settings in 2024 and April 2025 "may point to serious and ongoing issues in Essex".

He said coroners had - or were expected to - issue Prevention of Future Deaths Reports, highlighting ongoing systemic issues.

Mr Griffin told the hearing in London that the inquiry remained committed to establishing accountability - with staff names including those of junior staff generally disclosed.

Staff could apply for their names to be withheld in line with relevant law and the inquiry's protocol on restriction orders, said Mr Griffin.

The independent statutory Lampard Inquiry previous hearings were held in September and November 2024 and May 2025.

In response to the government's criticisms of its health plan, Mr Scott said: "As the Inquiry progresses there will be many accounts of people who were much loved and missed over the past 24 years and I want to say how sorry I am for their loss.

"All of us across healthcare have a responsibility to work together to improve care and treatment for all and to build on the improvements that have already been made over the last 24 years."

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