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<p>The participation of families and staff is enormously helpful to the work of the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry, and we are grateful to all those who have provided evidence to date.</p><p> </p><p>The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has assured the Department of the Trust’s support for the Inquiry. Since discussions took place in early January with the Chief Executive of the Trust, the Trust has been taking action to encourage staff participation. While the Inquiry has had evidence from many families, some have not engaged with the inquiry from the outset.</p><p> </p><p>A non-statutory inquiry remains the most effective way to get to the truth of what happened, but we must make this approach work and exhaust all possible solutions. If, however, staff engagement remains very poor, and the Inquiry remains unable to access relevant records, this position will be reviewed.</p><p> </p><p>Ministers and officials are in regular contact with the Inquiry and with NHS England colleagues who are working closely with the Trust.</p> |