The relationship between neonatal nurses and families experiencing neonatal care is based on a foundation of trust. The NNA recognise that this foundation has been shaken by the verdict in the Lucy Letby case.
First and foremost, the NNA would like to extend heartfelt condolences to all the families involved in this devastating case. We would also like to acknowledge the impact on families past, present and future within neonatal services. We hope all families are being offered the support they feel they need.
As a charity primarily for neonatal nurses, the NNA recognises the impact of this verdict on all neonatal nurses. Your work, day in and day out, is essential, valued and is making a positive difference to babies and families. We urge you to seek support as needed and recognise as individuals how challenged this verdict may make you feel. We also acknowledge the impact a verdict such as this has on the wider neonatal workforce and nurses everywhere.
The NNA will continue our commitment to work with NHSE to support recommendations when the report of the Lucy Letby statutory enquiry is published. As a team, we are also looking at ways we can support the neonatal nursing community in the aftermath of this report.
RCPCH response to verdict in Lucy Letby trial
NHS England letter in response to the trial
BAPM response to the Lucy Letby verdict
ACP-UK Rapid Response to the conviction of Lucy Letby
ACP-UK neonatal unit resource pack
Bliss Baby Charity – for babies born premature or sick
Shiny Mind – mental health and wellbeing app, co-created with the NHS

My name is Dr. Julia Petty, and I am a nurse lecturer specialising in children’s nursing with a particular interest in neonatal care. My nursing career in paediatric and neonatal clinical nursing practice began after a BSc Hons degree in Psychology at Warwick University, when I moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. Here, I trained in children’s and adult nursing before working there for many years in children’s and neonatal surgical care. I then gained my neonatal nursing qualification at St George’s NHS Trust London and worked at the Whittington NHS Trust NICU before moving back to Great Ormond Street for a senior education role on NICU where I worked until 2001. I then worked as Senior Lecturer at City University, London for 12 years leading the neonatal nursing education portfolio. I studied for a MSc, a PGCE and MA in academic practice during this time, In 2013, I moved to the University of Hertfordshire where my role is Associate Professor (learning and teaching) and Senior lecturer child nursing. I teach on the BSc Hons nursing and master’s degree programmes including leadership of modules, face-to-face/online teaching, assessing and supervision of students at all levels up to doctorate level. I am also research active and have completed a Doctorate in Education. As a nurse, educator and post-doctorate researcher, my interests focus on parents’ premature birth experiences, supporting parents in the transition home from NICU, exploring communication needs of neonates and their carers and studying the educational value of digital storytelling. This combination and variety of roles enriches my working life and brings together my experience as a child / neonatal nurse, educator and researcher. My role and related activities enable me to engage in both education and research while supporting students on their nursing career and education pathway, which is a privilege to be part of.
Hello my name is Claire Richards and I’m the Lead Nurse for the Wales Maternity and Neonatal Strategic Network. This covers nursing leadership but also Neonatal transport. I also have a clinical honorary contract in one Health Board.
Hello, my name is Kim Edwards, and I am a Neonatal Nurse. I am currently the Lead Nurse and Workforce, Education Lead for the Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal Operational Delivery Network (ODN)
Hello, my name is Jean and I am a registered children’s nurse with 27 years experience. I qualified with a DipHE after struggling academically due to dyslexia. Over my career I have worked mainly in PICU, NICU and children’s cardiac critical care. I am dual qualified in speciality (QIS) for both Neonatal and Paediatrics. The QIS program is a post graduate modular course completed at level 6/7. To be considered QIS you must successfully complete 4 separate modules, each have an academic and practical component. Only on completion of the QIS course can you apply for a band 6 role. In addition to the above qualifications it is expected you would have several years proven experience in speciality at Band 6 and 7 prior to applying for a Matron’s role.