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Stuart Hall, 53, whose mother Ethel was one of Norris's victims has already been asked for his views.

He said: "I think the two Leeds hospitals have already made a lot of improvements since 2002, in security, record keeping and drugs issues on wards.

"But I am happy that an independent inquiry is being held. It is what we – the families of Norris's victims – have been pushing for.

"I also understand the findings of the inquiry will be made public, which is also good news."

Mr Hall, from Calverley, said that after Norris was convicted, the families of Norris's victims met the Leeds hospital trust who told them there was to be an independent inquiry.

"We were asked for our input. One point I made was to question whether it was easy for staff to report anything suspicious without fear of repercussions.

"You have to wonder whether Norris would have been able to continue killing his patients if someone had been able to say something earlier. But, you never know.

"I also questioned security at the hospitals and issues about record keeping and control over drugs issues on wards.
"I am pleased there is an inquiry and I want to see it made much harder for someone like Norris to do what he did. I accept you will never be able to stop something like that altogether."


It is hoped Mr Hall's comments and those of other victims relatives will form a major part of the findings of the independent investigation, set up by the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority.
Among the issues the inquiry will examine are:
* how medicines are managed;
* keeping tags on prescribed drugs;
* clinical record keeping;
* the ability of staff to raise concerns regarding the care and treatment of patients;
* how deaths are recorded;
* how complaints are handled;
* the professional standards of nursing and nursing management
* recruitment.

It will also review the information and support provided to relatives of the victims in the wake of the murders – which has previously been criticised by families.

Earlier this year, Norris, 30, was told he must serve a minimum of 30 years in prison for the murder of four patients and the attempted murder of a fifth, at Leeds General infirmary and St James's Hospital. Norris killed his victims with insulin overdoses between May and November 2002.

Three months ago Norris launched a bid to appeal against his conviction. He is also preparing to appeal against a move to ban him from nursing. No date has yet been set for his case to be heard by the Appeal.