Shocking new evidence suggests more infants harmed under Letby’s care

United Kingdom

Lucy Letby, a former nurse convicted of murdering seven infants, may have caused harm to even more babies than previously thought. Recent findings indicate that she could have poisoned a child in her care with insulin.

Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, which included efforts to kill two infants with insulin at the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016.

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New findings on insulin poisoning

Documents reviewed by BBC One's Panorama reveal that a third baby might have also been poisoned shortly after Letby took over their care. Medical records show that the infant experienced a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, accompanied by unusually high insulin levels.

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Abnormal blood test results

Blood tests from a baby boy cared for by Lucy Letby in November 2015, revealed concerning results. His tests showed very high levels of insulin and low levels of C-peptide, a substance usually found in higher amounts when the body produces natural insulin. The baby’s insulin level was recorded at 6,945 picomoles per litre, while his C-peptide level was only 220.

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Deterioration after nurse's shift begins

Medical records indicate that the baby’s condition worsened after Letby began her shift. At 06:56, his blood sugar was at a normal level of three millimoles per litre (mmol/L). However, by 13:54 —just over five hours into Letby’s shift—his blood sugar dropped to a dangerously low level, suggesting he may have received too much insulin. This low level persisted throughout her shift, and reports from the BBC indicate that the baby only started to recover after Letby finished her shift at 20:00.

(With inputs from agencies)