Top Morecambe Bay investigator Dr Bill Kirkup joins Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

PHSO says Dr Bill Kirkup will lead investigations into most serious and complex cases brought before the public services watchdog


By Suzannah Brecknell

04 Apr 2016

Dr Bill Kirkup, who led investigations into deaths at Morecambe Bay hospital and Jimmy Savile’s involvement with Broadmoor hospital, is to join the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

Kirkup will join the PHSO as lead associate investigator, heading up investigations into the most serious and complex cases brought to the ombudsman, such as avoidable harm and deaths.

AS well as chairing the Morecambe Bay Investigation in July 2013, looking into the deaths of one woman and 16 babies, Kirkup led investigations into the Oxford paediatric cardiac surgery unit and was a member of the Hillsborough Independent Panel.


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He has also worked on public health and reconstruction in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, and was the Department of Health’s associate chief medical officer from 2005 to 2009.

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Julie Mellor said: “Dr Kirkup’s appointment will provide additional investigative expertise and confirms our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible service to the public. I’m delighted to welcome him on board and look forward to him bringing his extensive knowledge and expertise to the organisation.”

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