About the Investigation

The Independent Investigation into patient safety incidents and deaths at the former Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust was commissioned by the Minister for Health. Dr Bill Kirkup was asked to Chair the Investigation.

Dr Kirkup previously led an Independent Review into Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust. The Review reported in February 2018.  A copy of the Report is available Here

After the Review Report was published, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust identified new evidence of possible failings in care provided by Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust.  In light of this new evidence the Government decided that an Independent Investigation should be set up to establish the full extent of events and provide patients and families with the answers they need.

Dr Kirkup will be leading a Panel Investigation. It will involve reviewing written material and talking to those affected (patients and families) and staff in a number of organisations.

The Investigation’s Terms of Reference were published in Parliament on 16 July 2020. A copy of the Terms of Reference can be found on the news page.

The start of the Investigation has been affected by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.  Its work is at an early stage and it is mindful that the NHS is still focusing much of its energy and resources on the Government response to the pandemic. The Investigation will therefore adapt its approach to enable it to work effectively with all stakeholders and requirements for social distancing and safe working will be observed.