The report of an independent inquiry into the murder of four patients and the attempted murder of a fifth by a nurse at hospitals in Leeds in 2002 is published today.

Former nurse, Colin Norris, was jailed for life after he was found guilty of the murder charges in March 2008.

In December 2009, Norris appealed against his conviction but judges at the Court of Appeal in London ruled that his conviction was safe.

NHS Yorkshire & the Humber commissioned an independent inquiry in 2008 covering clinical and management systems and processes at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust at the time of the incidents in 2002.

The findings of the independent inquiry state that healthcare is built on trust and that cases of deliberate and malicious harm to patients by healthcare professionals are extremely rare.

The inquiry concludes that a combination of factors, including organisational systems and cultural factors, meant Colin Norris was able to carry out his intent to harm patients. It is difficult for an organisation to design and implement systems and processes that will totally eradicate the risks posed by an individual with that intent. It makes recommendations building on action taken by the trust since that time to improve the safety and protection of patients.

Dr Peter Belfield, Medical Director of Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said: “The Trust is deeply sorry for the families who have not only suffered the loss of a relative but also the distress of the trial and subsequent inquiry. For the families of the victims of these terrible crimes this has been a difficult and very long process which can only have compounded their distress.

“We have already implemented or have plans in place for all of the recommendations of the report. There have been considerable developments in our services since 2002, and I would like to reassure all our patients and their families that services in Leeds are amongst the best in the country.”

Professor Sue Proctor, Chief Nurse at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber said:
“Our thoughts are with the families at this time. The Strategic Health Authority welcomes the findings of this inquiry as it will further strengthen systems and processes to protect patients in Leeds and across the region.

“We regret that because of the extended criminal investigation and trial, it was not possible to have an NHS inquiry then publish this report until now. We will act on recommendations swiftly and ensure that the lessons learned are shared across the wider NHS.”

Philomena Corrigan, Executive Director Strategy and Commissioning, NHS Leeds, said: “We would like to express our deepest sympathies to everyone involved in this tragic event. As the lead commissioner of hospital services in Leeds, we would like to reassure people that the local NHS has learned from these incidents, and will continue to do so.

“Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has worked hard to develop and make significant improvements to its services, to ensure it delivers high quality, patient centred care.”

To view a full copy of the Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Colin Norris Incidents at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in 2002 please visit the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority website.