An NHS whistleblower who worked in Southampton for 23 years has submitted written evidence to the Lucy Letby inquiry.

Professor Narinder Kapur could be asked to appear at the inquiry, which aims to establish how the neonatal nurse was able to murder seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and attempt to kill seven others.

It is also looking at how the NHS handled the case and its response to doctors who raised concerns.

During Letby's trial, it was claimed that consultants who spoke out about the nurse were told by hospital bosses to apologise to her in writing.

Prof Kapur said: "The Letby case demonstrates issues the NHS has been facing for a long time, including the persecution of whistleblowers.

"It is a prime example of the extreme consequences that can occur when toxic NHS cultures prevent people from speaking out. Often when staff raise their concerns they face a huge backlash and kangaroo courts.

"I'm passionate about addressing the appalling treatment of whistleblowers and the horror stories that emerge when they are ignored."

The Lucy Letby public inquiry at Liverpool town hall is being chaired by Lady Justice ThirlwallThe Lucy Letby public inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall is being chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall (Image: PA)

Prof Kapur, 75, was head of neuropsychology at Wessex Neurological Centre, part of University Hospital Southampton (UHS), from 1980 until 2003.

He later held a similar position at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and became a whistleblower himself after he complained about the use of "underqualified" staff and lost his job.

An employment tribunal ruled that Prof Kapur had been unfairly dismissed, but he was not reinstated.

READ MORE: Hospital chief tells Lucy Letby inquiry she 'didn't get everything right' but had the 'best intentions'

After leaving Addenbrooke's he met up with the partner of Amin Addullah, a nurse at Charing Cross Hospital who was sacked after supporting a colleague who had been criticised by a patient.

Mr Abdullah, 41, died after dousing himself in petrol outside Kensington Palace in 2016.

An independent investigation found the disciplinary procedures used against him by his employers, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, were "weak and unfair".

Dr Narinder Kapur worked at Wessex Neurological Centre between 1980 and 2003Dr Narinder Kapur worked at Wessex Neurological Centre between 1980 and 2003 (Image: Newsquest)

Prof Kapur is an award-winning brain specialist who has spent years fighting for a major overhaul of the NHS disciplinary system.

He has also become a hospital benefactor, establishing two funds at UHS.

One supports staff initiatives that promote the wellbeing of nurses. The other raises money for specialist equipment to treat sleep disorders. It also enables staff to attend courses aimed at enhancing patient care.

READ MORE: Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council says evidence against convicted serial killer Lucy Letby is 'unsound'.

Prof Kapur said: "I feel I have a natural affinity with the hospital.

"I worked there for 23 years, during which they looked after me and my family. I've still got colleagues there, my son lives in Southampton, and I'm a Saints supporter."

Prof Kapur's submission to the Letby inquiry has yet to be made public.