Alison Kelly, the former head of nursing at the Countess of Chester Hospital, has told a public inquiry that she had "good intentions" despite not escalating concerns about nurse Lucy Letby, who was later convicted of murdering seven babies.

Ms Kelly, who was responsible for safeguarding at the hospital, acknowledged that she did not act on warnings from consultants about Letby's behaviour. She expressed deep regret for not appreciating the significance of the concerns raised and stated that she had not intended to protect Letby.

The inquiry is examining how Letby was able to carry out her crimes without detection and why initial concerns were not addressed more robustly. Ms Kelly's testimony highlights the importance of effective safeguarding measures and the need for healthcare professionals to act decisively when concerns are raised.

Kelly states that as there was no actual evidence to follow, she could take no action. Consider the importance of following a 'gut feeling' or 'instinct.'

The inquiry continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case to ensure that lessons are learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.

AUTHOR:- Iona has nearly 10 years of experience supporting nurseries and childminders in curriculum planning, leadership, and safeguarding. Her writing is informed by public information and sector insight, aiming to provide accessible, practical support for professionals working with children. She is part of the On the Button team, helping deliver Well-being, Safeguarding and Complaint Management Software that empowers practitioners to identify concerns early and act confidently.

On the Button provides innovative software tailored to the needs of the early years sector, with a strong focus on EYFS well-being and early years safeguarding. Our tools help senior practitioners to confidently track concerns, maintain robust records, and respond effectively — all while meeting statutory guidance. From early years complaint management to team-wide safeguarding alerts, our platform puts children's safety and emotional health first.