A public inquiry into the deaths of at least 2,000 mental health inpatients has been relaunched with new powers.

The Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry was established in 2021 to investigate the deaths of people on mental health wards in the county.

The number of initial responses to the inquiry from current and former staff was described as “disappointing”.

The inquiry has converted to a statutory inquiry meaning witnesses can be forced to give evidence.

It is understood the new chairwoman is considering extending the inquiry’s timeframe to include deaths from the start of 2000 until the end of 2023.

The 2,000 people identified died while they were either patients on an Essex mental health ward, or within three months of being discharged, between 2000 and 2020.

During the initial inquiry, the then chairwoman Geraldine Strathdee described the number of responses to the inquiry from current and former staff as “hugely disappointing”.

Dr Strathdee stepped down due to “personal reasons” earlier this year, with the new chairwoman named as Baroness Kate Lampard and the inquiry renamed The Lampard Inquiry.

Baroness Lampard, who previously led the investigations into Jimmy Savile’s abuse in the NHS, said: “I am determined to conduct this inquiry in a fair, thorough and balanced manner.

“I am also concerned to ensure that I do not take any longer than necessary – the recommendations from this inquiry are urgent and cannot be delayed.”

She added: “To be clear from the outset, I will not be compelling families to give evidence.

“Evidence from staff, management and organisations will be gathered in a proportionate, fair and appropriate manner.”

Baroness Lampard will continue to seek evidence from families of those who died, patients and former patients of inpatient services.

She will also seek evidence from those who work in mental health settings, and other relevant parties who can help the inquiry understand the circumstances surrounding these cases, and to make recommendations on how to improve the provision of mental health inpatient care.

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