MENTALHEALTH.INFOLABMED.COM - The first public inquiry in England focused solely on the deaths of mental health patients is entering a critical phase, having passed its midway point.
The Lampard Inquiry, scrutinizing more than 2,000 deaths under the care of NHS mental health services in Essex between 2000 and 2023, will resume hearings in February.
As dozens of bereaved families have already given evidence, a poignant question emerges: what do they think of the inquiry's progress so far?
A "Cry for Help" and a "Shambolic" Response
For Ralph Taylor from Buckhurst Hill, the inquiry has been a source of both hope and frustration. He shared the story of his wife, Carol, with whom he enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage.
Carol, who lived with recurrent depressive disorder, was admitted to hospital in June 2023 after an overdose described by Ralph as "a cry for help."
Transferred to the St Margaret's mental health unit in Epping, Carol's condition deteriorated over five months.
She became malnourished, dehydrated, and resistant to treatment. Tragically, she died on 21 November 2023, aged 75, from a pulmonary embolism.
Ralph’s grief is compounded by his criticism of the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) staff's "shambolic" attempts to resuscitate her, citing incorrect procedures and a failure to even know how to dial an outside line for an ambulance.
While giving evidence, Ralph expressed frustration with the inquiry's process, feeling that counsel were not asking EPUT representatives the "hard questions" directly.
"Although there were barristers there representing the families, they couldn't ask the questions direct," he told the BBC, calling for more aggressive scrutiny and better staff training.
"What's the Point? Nobody Cares"
Other participants, like Sam Cook from Witham, are preparing to give evidence in February. She will speak about her older sister, Paula Parretti, a "larger than life" woman who battled borderline personality disorder and PTSD.
Paula died by suicide in 2022 after what Sam describes as a cycle of being discharged from EPUT care too early.
Sam recounts one harrowing discharge where, during a panic attack, Paula's bags were "dumped" at her feet by staff who said, "you've got to take her now, we need the bed."
"That was the moment she gave up," Sam said. When she promised more help, Paula responded despairingly, "What's the point? Nobody cares." Sam believes the trust saw her sister as "an inconvenience."
"Their apology doesn't really mean much," Sam stated in response to EPUT's repeated apologies.
"Where was their apology when people were going to them directly, saying you've failed our family member?" She retains faith in Baroness Lampard’s inquiry but stresses, "Change has to happen because without it, we're going to lose so many more people."
The Inquiry's Path Forward
A spokesperson for the Lampard Inquiry confirmed it has heard "compelling and heartbreaking evidence" from 30 family members and 71 commemorative statements, which "raises serious concerns about provision of mental health inpatient services in Essex."
While EPUT representatives have been heard, the BBC understands several senior managers will be called back for further questioning.
Paul Scott, chief executive of EPUT, extended his condolences: "My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Paula and Carol... I want to say how sorry I am for their loss."
He acknowledged the responsibility to "improve care and treatment for all."
As the inquiry prepares to resume on 2 February 2026, it stands at a crossroads. For families like the Taylors and Sam Cook, it represents a final hope for transparency, accountability, and the systemic change needed to prevent further tragedies in mental health care.
The nation watches, waiting to see if this historic probe will translate heartfelt testimony into actionable reform.
If you have been affected by the issues in this article, support and information are available via the BBC Action Line.*
