AN inquiry into a Hampshire NHS trust has come to an end.

The last of a series of hearings into Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust was held this morning.

The findings of the inquiry are expected to be published in a report in June.

It comes as over the past month and a half panel members looked at a number of Southern Health's policies including  the handling of complaints and  communication with families and patients.

As reported, the inquiry came after a report - which looked into the deaths of five Southern Health patients between 2011 and 2015 -  found “significant, serious and deeply regrettable failures".

Investigation into Southern Health begins

At today's hearing, chairman of the panel Nigel Pascoe QC, said: "We now begin a process of evaluation, which will follow carefully our terms of reference. We are not here to carry out investigations of past bad experiences. We are reporting on the present position of this trust in specific areas and where, in those areas, there is a need to improve and make specific recommendations."

During the investigation, Mr Pascoe issued warnings after  intimidating messages were sent to a Southern Health employee who gave evidence at the hearings.

Witness sent intimidating messages

Today Mr Pascoe added: "We have learnt, to our utter disgust, of further cruel bullying of that witness since she gave evidence. I will not repeat my earlier comments, but where that may be appropriate, the law should take its course."

At the hearing held this morning, panel members also heard from Tim Kendall - NHS England’s national clinical director for mental health.

He said: "I think if an error happens we need to be absolutely open about this. My personal view is that you should have the opportunity for service users to be involved in all levels of an organisation."

It comes as earlier this month service user and former  Southern Health governor John Green told the panel that customer feedback should be sought “constantly”.

As previously reported, five bereaved families were also expected to take part in the inquiry but they decided to withdraw after they claimed to have been “misled, misrepresented and bullied” by the NHS.

Families withdraw from inquiry 

During the investigation, the panel also heard that improvements have been made over the past years but there is "still" work to be done.

The final report with the findings of the inquiry is expected to set out the panel’s conclusions as to whether the current policies are appropriate or if they require improvement and if so, the panel is expected to make recommendations.

Members will also consider the extent to which the trust has implemented recommendations from previous reviews and investigations and where further improvements can be made.