PITY II logo and contact information: PITY II, Stanley Community Centre, County Road, Walton, Liverpool, UK. Tel: +44 (0)151 285 0016. email: pity2uk@yahoo.co.uk

Link to Parents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
WHY?



Some of the images associated with the organ retention issues at Alder Hey Hopsital in Liverpool, UK

 
Link to Alan Milburn's [Secretary of State for Health] Speech to the House of Commons [UK Government] on the 30th of January 2001

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animated presentation of the words "Never Again!"

Shipman Inquiry

You have probably seen the publicity around the Judicial Review taken out by the families who had relatives murdered by Dr. Harold Shipman. They had been offered a confidential Independent Inquiry like the Royal Liverpool Children's Inquiry, but had asked the courts to order that it should be a public inquiry. The judges have ordered Alan Milburn, Secretary of State for Health, to reconsider his decision. He can appeal against this.

Why did PITY II not go for a Judicial Review? At an early stage the group agreed that they would co-operate with the Independent Inquiry as this would provide some answers in a reasonable timescale. This was endorsed by the meeting at St. George's Hall in March.

Getting a public inquiry can take years - the families affected the Marchioness river disaster on the Thames have only just been granted a public inquiry after 12 years, and the Hillsborough Families are still campaigning unsuccessfully for a public inquiry after 11 years.

Another reason is the potentially huge costs, running into many thousands of pounds, possibly over £100,000. The Shipman families were backed financially by several national media organisations. If the report of the Inquiry is not satisfactory, then the legal team will be ready to pursue an application for Judicial Review, and the Shipman decision will provide a useful precedent.

As we are so close to receiving the report, there would be little point in pursuing leave for Judicial Review now. Co-operating with the Independent Inquiry has not made it any less likely that we will get a public inquiry if one is needed.

 

 

PITY II (Parents who have Interred Their Young Twice) is the parents' support group set up in the wake of the organ retention scandal
at Alder Hey Hospital (Liverpool, UK). It aims to provide self help support and advice to affected families.


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