North-East NHS Inquiry Launched After Multiple Patient Deaths

Published: 12 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A public inquiry will examine failings at a north-east NHS trust following multiple patient deaths, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed. The announcement came during a visit to Darlington, where he met families affected by tragic incidents at hospitals run by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, headquartered in County Durham.

The inquiry will investigate the number of patients who took their own lives over the past decade, described by the Department of Health and Social Care as “concerning” and requiring urgent scrutiny. Among those who died under the trust’s care were 17-year-olds Nadia Sharif and Christie Harnett, who ended their lives at West Lane Hospital in Middlesbrough in June and August 2019, respectively, and 18-year-old Emily Moore, who passed away in February 2020 after a week-long stay at Lanchester Road Hospital in County Durham.

Speaking in Darlington, Streeting called the deaths “unacceptable” and praised families’ “courageous and tireless campaigning,” describing their efforts as “nothing short of inspirational.” He emphasised that all mental healthcare patients deserve safe, high-quality treatment delivered with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, he noted, the care these individuals received fell far short of that standard, resulting in devastating consequences.

Following extensive discussions with affected families this year and careful review of prior investigations, Streeting concluded that a statutory inquiry represents the most effective way to secure truth and accountability. Previous examinations into the trust’s patient deaths, he said, had not been “sufficiently comprehensive,” with some fatalities inadequately addressed.

In April 2024, the trust faced a £215,000 fine for offences related to the care of two patients who died by suicide. The Care Quality Commission alleged the organisation had failed to mitigate known risks, particularly after prior self-harm incidents.

Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, welcomed the inquiry announcement as providing “a huge sense of relief and achievement” for grieving families. He highlighted the tragic losses of Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif, and Emily Moore as symptomatic of broader cultural issues within the trust, affecting numerous other families who endured similar grief.

“The inquiry is crucial for ensuring that every family affected receives the truth about systemic failures and how loved ones were let down so severely,” McDonald added.

Alison Smith, chief executive of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, expressed deep sympathy for all affected and affirmed the trust’s commitment to full cooperation. She pledged transparency, openness, and humility throughout the inquiry, stressing that meaningful action will be taken to improve organisational performance and patient safety.

The inquiry represents a critical moment for mental health care oversight in the north-east of England, underlining the need for rigorous accountability and the safeguarding of vulnerable patients. Families hope the process will reveal systemic shortcomings, ensure justice, and prevent further avoidable tragedies. Experts note that comprehensive investigations like this can catalyse lasting reforms and cultural change within NHS institutions, addressing long-standing concerns about patient safety.

This formal inquiry will not only examine past incidents but also evaluate risk management, staff training, and organisational culture at the trust, aiming to implement measures that prioritise patient welfare and reduce preventable harm. The Department of Health and Social Care emphasised that learning lessons from these tragedies is essential to rebuilding public trust and safeguarding the most vulnerable.

While the inquiry begins, public attention focuses on the importance of mental healthcare quality, adherence to safety standards, and the urgent need for systemic reform. Families, policymakers, and health professionals alike await the findings, recognising the broader implications for national healthcare oversight.

Streeting’s announcement reflects growing political and social pressure to address NHS failings transparently, ensuring families impacted by mental health service shortcomings can finally receive answers. The inquiry is expected to span several months, providing detailed recommendations for future policy, clinical governance, and patient safety protocols.

By confirming this inquiry, the government signals a commitment to accountability and to addressing long-standing criticisms of NHS mental health services, particularly in regions where systemic failures have caused significant harm. It also reinforces the importance of listening to families, valuing their experiences, and incorporating their voices into reforms that can prevent recurrence of such tragedies.