The prime minister has agreed to meet with a York MP after she raised concerns over delays to deliver a public inquiry into a troubled NHS trust providing mental health support in the city.
Andy Burnham said he would be “happy” to meet with Rachael Maskell to discuss the inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
Former health secretary Wes Streeting announced the public inquiry into TEWV last December after numerous significant failings in its safeguarding and care.
More than 130 relatives and patients have since called on the government to start proceedings for the inquiry.
Speaking in the Parliament, Ms Maskell asked Mr Burnham for answers over the delays to deliver to start the inquiry.
The Labour MP for York Central said her constituents have spent a decade campaigning for answers while vulnerable people continue to lose their lives.
Responding to Ms Maskell, Mr Burnham said: “That is entirely what the Hillsborough law is about. It builds on a duty of candour that was already there in the NHS, but will now go further to those running NHS organisations and all NHS bodies.
“I would be happy to meet my honourable friend to discuss this in more detail, because I can see how much it matters to her. I hope that is a helpful commitment.”
Ms Maskell said she is “pleased that he has agreed to meet with me and has acknowledged the severity to which we have been let down, not only in York but across the region by mental health services”.
"I know from the work that the prime minister has done historically, particularly around the Hillsborough law, that he takes the duty of candour very seriously and is wanting to deliver robust accountability across public life,” she said. “However, my work seeks to bring greater accountability and prevent issues arising in the first place.”
Ms Maskell added: "I will continue to do all I can to hold those in power to account, ensuring that the voices of York’s residents are taken directly to the heart of politics, and that this long-overdue public inquiry is finally delivered to protect patient safety."
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TEWV had been dogged by calls, including from The Press, for a public inquiry after being convicted and fined over the deaths of two patients and blamed at inquests for contributing to the deaths of others, slammed by watchdogs, and branded as ‘requiring improvement'.
The trust provides mental health services across York and North Yorkshire, as well as County Durham, Darlington and Teesside.
Alison Smith, who took over as TEWV’s chief executive last May, said it will co-operate fully with the public inquiry.
She said: “We remain in contact with our NHS England regional colleagues, seeking regular updates.
“Supporting parents and families remains our priority and I continue to meet with people who want to share their stories with the new chief executive. This has been incredibly courageous, particularly when retelling experiences that are often difficult and distressing. Many do so in the hope of improving care for others and helping to prevent anyone else experiencing what they and their loved ones have been through.
“We will co-operate fully with the public inquiry with honesty, openness, humility, grace and kindness. It’s an opportunity to hear and learn what we could have done better and how we continue to improve.”
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