Individual patients and relatives impacted by safety failings at the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Trust gathered in Middlesbrough yesterday for a pivotal briefing as they prepare for a statutory public inquiry.
Hosted by legal experts Alistair Smith and Sarah Magson with Kings Counsel Anna Morris at law firm Ison Harrison’s offices in the Cleveland Business Centre in Middlesbrough, the session marked the first time many of those affected and individuals had met collectively to discuss the legal roadmap and their shared pursuit for accountability, following multiple patient deaths and safety concerns.
As the lead legal firm representing affected patients Ison Harrison set out its commitment to work alongside relatives and campaign groups throughout the build-up to the inquiry, which Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced in December.
It welcomed 80 individuals, while a further 34 joined the discussion through a remote digital link.
10 MPs or their agents were also in attendance, who heard firsthand accounts of the issues those affected continue to face.
The inquiry follows persistent concerns regarding patient safety and corporate governance that were thrust into the national spotlight by the tragic deaths of patients, including teenagers Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif and Emily Moore.
Alistair Smith has worked alongside the bereaved families of these patients for over five years, consistently calling for transparency regarding the care standards and subsequent investigations carried out by the Trust.
Reports into the three teenagers' deaths found "multifaceted and systemic" failings and identified a total of 119 "care and service delivery" problems across various agencies involved in their treatment.
The establishment of the Rebuild Trust platform, in which Alistair has been instrumental, has further unified those seeking justice, providing a collective voice for those who feel they were sidelined by the authorities.
Alistair Smith said:
“The hearings which will take place as part of the forthcoming public inquiry are a chance for the truth to be heard in a transparent public forum similar to the recent Post Office inquiry.
"This initial meeting provided the opportunity to explain the process to those affected and individuals so that they know what to expect when the public inquiry gets underway.
“The people impacted are looking for a total shift in how the Trust operates and for those who are accountable to finally answer for past failings. Their goal is simple but vital, which is to ensure no one ever has to endure the pain they have faced because of a lack of care or transparency.”
Michael Harnett for the Rebuild Trust campaign group also addressed the significance of the gathering, adding:
“Stepping into that room yesterday was an emotional milestone for every parent, relative and patient involved.
"The coming inquiry is not just a legal process to us, it is a pursuit of justice for our loved ones who are no longer here.
"We expect a thorough investigation that leaves no stone unturned because we need to know that these deaths will eventually lead to a safer future for every patient in the region.”
The legal team expects the inquiry chair to be appointed in February or March 2026 with the date for public hearings yet to be scheduled, given the enormity of disclosure and witnesses that are expected.
The collective hope for the inquiry is for genuine change and a level of accountability that has been missing for far too long.
Ison Harrison has been invited to a meeting with Department for Health and Social Care officials in early February, and it is hoped that this will be a chance to ensure the voices of individuals affected are properly communicated and considered going forward.
Anyone who believes they were impacted by failings at the Trust is encouraged to join the coordinated legal effort.
Ison Harrison has launched a dedicated online portal to manage inquiries from others who may have relevant evidence or personal experiences to share before the formal hearings begin.
The inquiry form is available at https://www.isonharrison.co.uk/tewv-inquiry-form/.
Anyone affected and individuals can also find more information on the Rebuild Trust website https://www.rebuildtrust.co.uk
