The shift-leader called to testify about the first allegation of attempted murder (on 26 Sep 2015) of baby H was questioned by Ben Myers KC about at least some of what was going on with the staff -
"Mr Myers asked the witness: “Was there
an issue with Lucy Letby being relatively junior compared to others and some debate about her going into Nursery One to look after more poorly babies?”
“Sometimes, yes,” she replied.
Mr Myers said: “And sometimes a bit of an under-the-surface dispute about that, is that correct?”
The witness said: “Yes.”
Lucy Letby: Medics could find no reason why baby ‘suddenly collapsed’
By this time, in the space of 3-4 months,
babies A, C, D and E had all died in nursery one,
babies B, G and H had suffered several life-threatening collapses in nursery one, and shortly after that date
baby I also died in nursery one. It could be linked with some staff thinking LL was not experienced enough, and the whole "face not fitting" could be LL jumping on the bandwagon with other colleagues' gripes, to divert attention away from the real undercurrent. IMO
We have also heard vaguely about other upsets LL was involved in
26th Sep -
LL received a message from the deputy manager YG commending her for all her hard work, after the shift when baby H first collapsed.
"LL showed this message to a colleague and asked her how she should reply. Her colleague expressed surprise. The conversation alluded to
a disagreement among the neonatal unit staff regarding a Christening for one of the babies in the unit.
LL to YG: “Thank you. That’s really nice to hear as I gather you are aware of some of
the not so positive comments that have been made recently regarding my role which I have found quite upsetting. Our job is a pleasure to do and just hope I do the best for the babies and their family. Thank you to you & [another colleague] for your support x.”
LL to colleague: “I’m still frustrated/upset with what’s gone on but don’t think such rubbish nights & being tired help.”
Colleague: “Good reply as it’s important they know about
the bitchiness which is all it is. Yes re tired Anyway you’re a star. You’ve done yourself proud. You’ve given positive memories to the family whatever the outcome. Let’s hope they can tease her in a few yrs about her ‘attention seeking’ ways. Sleep well. xx Always a pleasure to work with you even if
we’re a ‘[s***] magnet’ team.”
Lucy Letby: Nurse 'commended' for work during 'stressful situation'
30th Sep - after collapses of baby H on 26 Sep, 27 Sep, and baby I on 30 Sep (she had been off work between 27 Sep and 30 Sep)
"LL messaged Jennifer Jones-Key to say: "I am a bit up and down.
Have not had nice shifts and not been feeling supported by some people."
Recap: Lucy Letby trial, Wednesday, January 25
23rd Oct - after the shift when baby I had died (having just been off work on 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st Oct)
"Court is also shown messages between LL and an unnamed colleague. In these messages she says
she spoke to a manager about certain staff 'not pulling their weight' at the hospital. LL said in that conversation that she was told Drs at the hospital 'speak very highly of her' and that she needs to be 'confident' in her role and not feel the need to prove herself."
https://twitter.com/MrDanDonoghue
MOO
Registrar Dr Ventress was quite junior I believe. Her texts come across to me as someone not much older than LL. JMO