Fundamentally broken

Fundamentally broken. Harrogate MP urges families to speak out in mental health inquiry

Families across Harrogate are being urged to come forward as a major public inquiry begins into a mental health trust linked to a series of failings and preventable deaths.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has issued a stark warning about Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, saying he “struggles to see” how it can continue in its current form.

The inquiry, ordered by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, will examine serious concerns over patient care after multiple cases where lives were tragically lost.

Speaking after meeting local residents, Mr Gordon said families affected by the trust must play a central role. This isn’t just a service under pressure; it’s one that’s fundamentally broken,” he said.

“As the inquiry begins, local people must come forward. Their voices are critical to driving real change.”

The MP has raised the issue in Parliament after hearing a growing number of distressing accounts from constituents, including families who lost loved ones while under care.

At a recent Harrogate meeting, legal expert Richard Scorer from Slater and Gordon explained how the inquiry will work and how people can give evidence.

The statutory inquiry will have full legal powers, meaning witnesses can be called to give evidence under oath and the trust must provide documentation. While it cannot bring criminal charges, its findings could lead to major reforms and further investigations.

Mr Gordon added that the trust has been “letting families down for far too long” and said urgent action is needed to prevent further harm.

Anyone affected is being encouraged to come forward and share their experiences as the inquiry gets underway.