Mental health reform urged to prevent future Nottingham attacks

Published: 27 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Wayne Birkett, a survivor of the Nottingham attacks, has expressed deep concern that future incidents could occur without urgent mental health reforms. Birkett, who suffered life-changing injuries during the 13 June 2023 attack, criticised the lack of meaningful improvements in Nottinghamshire healthcare NHS foundation trust, which oversaw Valdo Calocane’s care between May 2020 and September 2022. He has called for Health Secretary Wes Streeting to intervene directly, warning that continued neglect in mental health services could leave the public vulnerable.

Calocane, previously diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, killed Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, before seriously injuring Birkett, Sharon Miller, and Marcin Gawronski. Following his conviction in January 2024, he received a hospital order after admitting manslaughter and attempted murder charges under diminished responsibility. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report in 2024 revealed multiple failures in the trust, noting that ongoing issues posed risks to both patients and the public.

Despite repeated inspections between May 2024 and August 2025, the trust has not fully addressed deficiencies. Five mental health services required improvement, while ten showed breaches of regulation demanding urgent action. Birkett, 62, who was left in a coma after the attack, continues to manage severe brain and physical injuries. He stated that the lack of progress increases the likelihood of another tragic incident in Nottingham.

“It already has happened again … Wait for another Nottingham attack I suppose, it will happen unless something is done,” Birkett warned. His solicitor, Greg Almond, echoed these concerns, emphasising that persistent failures could compromise public safety.

Calocane had been hospitalised four times between May 2020 and September 2022 for threatening behaviour linked to psychosis. Despite repeated interventions, he was discharged to a GP due to lack of engagement, nine months before the killings. Birkett stressed the frustration and fear caused by learning that preventative measures were not implemented.

The upcoming public inquiry will allow Birkett and Miller to highlight systemic failures and ensure lessons are learned. Birkett described relearning basic skills like reading and using cutlery as a daily struggle, acknowledging that full recovery may never be possible. He hopes the inquiry will reveal the truth behind the failures and drive meaningful reforms.

Almond stated the inquiry must address numerous questions across multiple organisations, ensuring recommendations can improve safety in Nottingham. Meanwhile, Ifti Majid, chief executive of Nottinghamshire healthcare, insisted the trust is committed to high-quality care and has implemented improvements, although more work remains.

A government spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to preventing future tragedies, noting reforms to the Mental Health Act and mandatory action plans for mental health providers. Streeting met victims’ families in December, underscoring the government’s dedication to transforming mental health services and avoiding repeat incidents.

Birkett and Miller will meet Streeting on 5 February, urging immediate action to ensure Nottingham’s mental health system safeguards both patients and the public. The survivors’ determination reflects a broader demand for accountability and systemic reform in the aftermath of the 2023 attacks.

The public inquiry will examine past mistakes and aim to recommend comprehensive measures, ensuring that the failures leading to the 2023 Nottingham attacks are never repeated. Mental health reform remains central to these discussions, highlighting the importance of proactive interventions to prevent violence.

The survivor’s plea underscores that public safety depends on addressing systemic shortcomings, reforming services, and ensuring accountability in mental health care. Authorities face mounting pressure to implement reforms that genuinely protect vulnerable individuals and the wider community.

Birkett’s experience reflects the profound human cost of systemic failures, illustrating the urgent need for change. Experts and advocates argue that lessons must be fully integrated into policies and practices, ensuring future tragedies are avoided.

As Nottingham prepares for the inquiry, survivors and families continue to advocate for reforms that prioritise safety and accountability. The focus on mental health reform aims to prevent violent incidents and create a system that effectively supports those most at risk.

Mental health reform is a key element of ongoing discussions, with public safety at stake if systemic weaknesses persist. Birkett’s message is clear: lessons must be learned to prevent Nottingham from witnessing another devastating attack.

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