Was Lucy Letby Attacked in Prison? Ex-Nurse Branded a 'Target' Gets Support From Over 400 NHS Staff

Questions continue to circulate about the safety of Lucy Letby after online posts again claimed that the former neonatal nurse had been attacked while serving her sentence. The Ministry of Justice has rejected the rumour and said there has been no incident of that nature. Even so, the discussion has revived public interest in the conditions under which she is being held.

There is no verified evidence that Letby has been harmed in custody. Officials have not confirmed any assault and reports that rely on anonymous prison sources remain unsubstantiated. Despite this, speculation continues to spread online.

At the same time, debate outside the prison has intensified. Hundreds of NHS workers have questioned the safety of her conviction and have asked for an independent review of the evidence. Their concerns have created divisions within the health service and have highlighted issues about accountability and pressures on clinical staff.

Disputed Claims About Her Safety in Prison

Letby, 34, is serving multiple whole life orders for the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. She was convicted of an additional attempted murder in 2024. The Ministry of Justice has said that the claims of an attack in custody are unfounded. Her location has not been disclosed for security reasons.

A former prison governor told the Daily Mirror that offenders linked to crimes involving children are often regarded as the lowest of the low within the prison population. She said Letby would likely remain a target and spend long periods under supervision. Her comments are based on general experience rather than direct knowledge of Letby but they continue to appear whenever rumours about Letby's welfare circulate.

In 2024 police confirmed an unrelated alleged assault on a medical witness connected with the case. This was believed to have been carried out by a person expressing support for Letby. No similar confirmed incident has been reported involving Letby herself.

Hundreds of NHS Staff Seek Review of Conviction

More than four hundred healthcare workers, including about two hundred nurses, have signed an open letter urging major unions to support a review of the evidence presented at trial. Signatories say the case has created a climate of fear in hospitals and that some staff are reluctant to speak about concerns.

Viv Blondek, a retired nurse and a founder member of the campaign group Nineteen Nurses, told a campaign event that the profession faced 'an erosion of our duty of candour' and a growing concern about being blamed for systemic failings. The Laura Hyde Foundation, which supports the mental health of NHS workers, has reported an increase in calls from midwives and maternity staff and suggested that anxiety surrounding the case may be contributing to rising stress levels.

Supporters of a review say they are not asserting Letby's innocence. They argue that the complexity of neonatal care requires stronger safeguards around expert testimony and clinical record handling.

Debate About Accountability

The case has intensified concerns about transparency and risk management within parts of the NHS. Former senior figures have warned that staff who raise concerns sometimes encounter institutional resistance.

Whether Letby has faced violence in prison remains unproven. The Ministry of Justice has denied the latest claim and no official body has confirmed any attack. What is clear is the level of unease among some healthcare professionals and their belief that the conviction should be re-examined. As discussions continue, the Letby case remains one of the most disputed and emotionally charged in recent legal and medical history.