INQUESTS into the deaths of six babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital due to take place in Warrington have been further suspended.
The Senior Coroner for Cheshire has received an indication from the Thirlwall Inquiry that publication of its report is expected to be delayed until after the Parliamentary recess.
In light of this development, the inquests due to take place in Warrington touching upon the deaths of six babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015 and 2016 – cases which are linked to the criminal proceedings resulting in the conviction of Lucy Letby – will remain suspended.
A further hearing has taken place today (Wednesday 13 May 2026), at Cheshire Coroner’s Court to formally continue the suspension of these inquests.
The inquests had been provisionally listed to commence on 14 September 2026. That listing will now be vacated. The matters will instead be relisted to commence on 10 May 2027.
An internal review of the position will be undertaken on 10 November 2026.
The Coroner considers it appropriate to maintain the suspension in order to ensure that the findings and recommendations of the Thirlwall Inquiry can be fully considered before the inquests proceed.
Further updates will be provided in due course.
Letby, aged 35, from Hereford, is currently serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted across two trials at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016.
