The Countess of Chester Hospital has said "there is more to be done" following the publication of The Thirlwall Inquiry.

The inquiry was set up to look into what happened at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016, while Letby was working as a nurse in the neonatal unit. Its findings were released today (15 September).

Jane Tomkinson OBE, chief executive officer at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said the trust acknowledges that "no apology or action can undo what happened".

In a statement, she said: "We are however truly sorry for the events that occurred in 2015 and 2016.

"Our thoughts remain fully with all of the families and the babies who came to harm or who died because of Lucy Letby's crimes at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015 and 2016.

"We recognise the enduring impact on them and the courage and dignity they have shown in ensuring their experiences are heard."

She added that the trust will approach the findings and recommendations of the Thirlwall Report with "openness and a firm commitment", building on progress the trust has "already made" in improving "governance, safety and culture".

"We are a different organisation today with new leadership, stronger governance and safety processes, and a more open culture where speaking up is encouraged and acted upon," the CEO said.

She pointed to a number of changes the trust has already made, included in its evidence to the inquiry, as having made a "safer environment" for patients and staff.

"We acknowledge however that there is more to be done," she said.

The statement outlined the trust would now "carefully consider the entire content of the Thirlwall Report and its recommendations", while working with NHS colleagues to "embed the learning locally and across the wider NHS".

Tomkinson said: "Our priority is to ensure that we address the Thirlwall Report's recommendations as swiftly as possible, whether through ensuring that actions we have already taken are sustained or by taking further action where needed.

"We recognise the contributions of the families and everyone who gave evidence, including many of our staff. We have cooperated openly and fully with the Thirlwall Inquiry, and we are grateful to Lady Justice Thirlwall and her team for the diligence and care with which they have conducted the Inquiry.

"We are proud of our staff and their commitment to providing high-quality patient care. They are the heart of our organisation, and their professionalism, compassion and resilience are central to the care we provide to patients every day.

"What took place at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2015 and 2016 and the impact it had on so many people will not be forgotten. We will always remember."

Letby, now 36, is serving 15 whole-life prison terms for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others.

The inquiry was not tasked with examining Letby's guilt. Instead, it investigated how concerns about the neonatal nurse were handled by the hospital and whether action could have been taken sooner to stop her.