A coroner in Warrington has launched an inquest into the "unnatural" death of Dr. Mark Deakin, a former consultant at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. The 53-year-old specialist died in July shortly after being dismissed for his communications with convicted nurse Lucy Letby.
The coroner's investigation into the July 3 death at Whiston Hospital
Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish has determined that an inquest is required following the death of Dr. Mark Deakin at Whiston Hospital. According to the report, the 53-year-old diabetes specialist was found in his vehicle on June 24, just one day after his dismissal from Alder Hey Children's Hospital. While the specific cause of death remains undisclosed by the coroner's court, the investigation is being treated as an inquiry into an "unnatural" death.
The 1,300 Facebook messages and the breach of Baby N's privacy
The dismissal of Dr. Mark Deakin stemmed from a sereis of inappropriate communications with Lucy Letby, which included over 1,300 Facebook messages. As the report details, these messages breached patient confidentiality, specifically involving the care of a premature baby known as Baby N. The prosecution at Manchester Crown Court previously suggested that the relationship between the Alder Hey consultant and Letby was romantic, a claim Letby denied during her trial.
Beyond the digital exchange, the report notes that Dr. Mark Deakin had supported Letby's grievance claims when she was moved from frontline nursing into an office role. He also reportedly arranged up to six observational visits for Letby at Alder Hey. These actions contributed to the scrutiny that eventually led to his dismissal in June 2024.
Lady Justice Thirlwall’s findings on professional duty
The case sits within the broader context of the massive inquiry into the failures at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The Thirlwall inquiry, led by Lady Justice Thirlwall, recently concluded that Dr. Mark Deakin had prioritized his concern for Letby over his fundamental duty to his patients. This finding underscores the systemic breakdown in professional boundaries that occurred while Letby was active in neonatal care.
The unverified reports of a diabetic coma at a retail park
Several critical details regarding the circumstances of Dr. Mark Deakin's passing remain unconfirmed by official channels. While the coroner has not released a formal cause of death, sources told the Daily Mail that the consultant may have collapsed from a diabetic coma while at a retail park. It remains unknown whether the upcoming two-day hearing in February will clarify if his death was a direct result of his medical condition or if there are other factors related to his dismissal from Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
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