HEALTH bosses say they are “convinced” an inquiry into deaths at a mental health unit in Essex will go far enough despite pleas from families.

Last week Nadine Dorries confirmed a public inquiry would be launched into events at the Linden Centre in Chelmsford over a period of 20 years.

It will be established in April and is due to report back on its findings in 2023.

The inquiry will look at circumstances of in-patient deaths at the former North Essex Partnership Trust, the former South Essex Trust and the newly formed Essex Partnership Trust.

Campaigners say it is not enough and only a full statutory inquiry will get them the answers they have been desperately searching for.

But Ms Dorries said she believed the right action was being taken.

She said: “I have listened carefully to the arguments proposing a more formal, statutory inquiry into these events.

“I share the desire for a robust and independent process that will get to the truth and deliver the necessary learning.

“I remain convinced that a non-statutory, independent inquiry is the best way to do this and identify the necessary improvements in the timeliest way.

“The inquiry will be able to interview witnesses to determine if there were failures in care, safety, governance or professional standards and will examine all relevant records to get to the truth.

“We owe the families nothing less.”

Melanie Leahy’s son Matthew, 20, was found hanging in his room at the Linden Centre in November 2012.

She has now started another petition to get the public inquiry upgraded to a full statutory inquiry.

She said: “It’s vitally important because the rest of the country is relying on us.

“There’s families across the nation contacting me and they haven’t got this far. Anytime anyone gets anywhere near it gets stopped but we now have a power in numbers.

“We have all the seeds for a good statutory public inquiry, to get clear answers.

“We want truth, we want justice and accountability and from that we can produce change.”

The trust has already admitted to failures of care relating to the deaths of 11 patients between 2004 and 2015.

It is due to be sentenced in relation to the case shortly.

To sign the petition or find out more about it, visit https://www.change.org/p/nadine-dorries-statutory-public-inquiry-into-essex-mental-health-services