Victims Ignored in NHS Mental Health Report

Survivors of the devastating June 2023 Nottingham attacks, which claimed three lives and injured others, have revealed they were not given prior warning of a critical report concerning the NHS mental health services involved in the care of attacker Valdo Calocane. Wayne Birkett, a survivor still experiencing severe pain, stated it was "embarrassing" not to have been informed about the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

The CQC's findings, published in January 2026, indicated that Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's mental health services "were not always humane, dignified or gave high quality care" during the period Calocane was under their care between May 2020 and September 2022. The trust was found to have breached regulations, requiring an action plan, with seven of its 18 services rated as needing improvement.

Wayne Birkett and his lawyer, Greg Almond, who also represents other survivors, highlighted that they only learned of the report through the press a day before its publication. They are set to meet with Health Secretary Wes Streeting on February 5, 2026, to advocate for victim inclusion and improved mental health services. A public inquiry into the attacks, chaired by Deborah Taylor, is scheduled to commence on February 23, 2026, with findings expected within two years.

Mr. Almond expressed shock at the lack of early notification, emphasizing the acute impact on his clients and calling for government action to ensure public safety and prevent future tragedies. The CQC has since made contact with the survivors' lawyers to arrange a meeting following the report's findings.