Episode 8: Baby F, Part 1 ‘He was given insulin that was never prescribed.’
Nov 28, 2022
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In this episode, Caroline and Liz discuss the trial of Lucy Letby, focusing on the alleged attempted murder of Baby F using insulin. They examine Baby F's blood sugar issues after Letby allegedly poisoned his intravenous feed, and the prosecution's claim of deliberate insulin poisoning. The podcast also features a discussion with freelance broadcaster Matt O'Donoghue on reporting court cases and condensing information for media. Stay tuned for the next episode!
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Quick takeaways
Lucy Letby allegedly poisoned Baby F with insulin, leading to his sudden drop in blood sugar.
Journalists covering the trial prioritize empathy while maintaining accurate reporting on the sensitive nature of the case.
Deep dives
The Accusations Against Lucy Letby
Lucy Letby, a neo-natal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital, is on trial for the alleged murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of ten others. Letby denies all charges and the babies involved in the trial are known as Babies A to Q. The trial focuses on the case of Baby F, the twin brother of Baby E, who was allegedly poisoned with insulin by Letby shortly after the death of Baby E. The prosecution presents evidence of high levels of insulin in Baby F's blood, suggesting deliberate administration by Letby.
Delays and Complicated Evidence
The trial has experienced delays due to various factors, including a juror falling ill. The prosecution has presented complex medical evidence, which can be challenging for both the jury and the press to comprehend fully. The journalists covering the trial have the task of condensing the extensive evidence into concise and informative accounts. Medical experts' testimonies, evidence related to the storage of nutrient bags, and messages exchanged between Letby and her colleagues are presented to establish the prosecution's case.
The Importance of Empathy in Reporting
The journalists covering the trial emphasize the importance of empathy when reporting on such cases. Despite the intense nature of the trial, journalists strive to balance the need for accurate reporting with sensitivity towards the families affected by the alleged crimes. They acknowledge the challenging task of navigating legal boundaries while telling the story in an empathetic manner.
In this episode Caroline and Liz examine what happened to Baby F, a premature twin boy who Lucy Letby allegedly tried to kill with insulin. We hear how his blood sugar suddenly crashed soon after the nurse allegedly poisoned his intravenous feed and how, after she finished her shift, she went salsa dancing with a colleague. We also chat to freelance broadcaster, Matt O’Donoghue, about the skill of condensing a day’s worth of evidence into just a few minutes for television or radio.