The three charges relate to the care of Zadie Ajetunmobi and Selina Samarina at Broomfeld Hospital who died in November 2022 and April 2023, respectively, the BBC reported.

Adam Sewell-Jones, group chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘We are working closely with the CQC on its investigation.

‘As there is an on-going legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.'

The CQC confirmed it had laid charges in relation to two offences of Regulation 12 and 22 of the 2014 Regulations.

Court proceedings will begin at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Thursday 3 December.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust expected to enter pleas to the three charges.