Episode 17: Baby L “He had been given insulin he should not have been given… it was inappropriate and dangerous.”
Feb 20, 2023
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In this episode, Caroline and Liz discuss the accusation against neo-natal nurse Lucy Letby for the poisoning of Baby L with insulin. They also mention the nurse's celebration after the incident and her emotional breakdown in court. The podcast explores the impact of TV dramas on perceptions of policing and the public's fascination with crime. Additionally, it highlights the importance of making court proceedings accessible and the work of aspiring law enforcement students.
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Quick takeaways
Nurse Letby allegedly poisoned the glucose drip with insulin, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels in Baby Elle.
Nurse Letby's distraction and negligence while attending to Baby Elle's deteriorating condition raise concerns about her actions and motive.
Deep dives
Lucy Letby's Trial for Alleged Murder of Seven Babies
Lucy Letby is on trial at Manchester Crown Court, accused of killing seven infants and injuring ten more at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Cheshire. The charges include murder and attempted murder. The babies, referred to as babies A to Q, were under the care of Letby, who worked as a neo-natal nurse. The trial focuses on the alleged murders and attempted murders of premature babies, with their parents present in court. The prosecution claims that Letby injected insulin into the glucose drip of baby El, resulting in dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Baby Elle's Birth and Early Care
Baby Elle was born prematurely at 33 weeks via Caesarean section at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The baby's mother was admitted to the hospital due to poor health and had a scan revealing that Baby Elle was not growing adequately. The birth went smoothly, and Baby Elle and his twin brother were taken to the neonatal unit. However, Baby Elle had low blood sugar levels, which is common in premature babies. Nurse Lucy Letby was responsible for administering glucose to regulate the baby's blood sugar, but the prosecution alleges that she poisoned the glucose drip with insulin.
Baby Elle's Declining Condition and Suspicious Actions
Throughout her shift, Nurse Letby's care for Baby Elle continued. However, his blood sugar levels remained dangerously low, despite increased amounts of glucose being administered. Nurse Letby engaged in unrelated conversations, discussing matters such as a horse race and a housewarming party, while Baby Elle's condition deteriorated. The court heard that Baby Elle's twin brother suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing, diverting attention from Baby Elle's worsening state. It is alleged that Nurse Letby injected insulin into Baby Elle's glucose drip, causing further harm. The evidence centers around a blood sample taken from Baby Elle that revealed the presence of insulin.
In this episode Caroline and Liz examine what the prosecution say happened to Baby L, a twin boy Lucy Letby is accused of poisoning with insulin.
We also hear about how the nurse celebrated winning £135 on the Grand National shortly after the attack allegedly took place and how there was drama in court when she broke down in tears after a doctor she worked with gave evidence for the first time.