Giving evidence on Monday, John Brewin, former chief executive of the trust, described a ‘harrowing' conversation with ward managers about their concerns about staff shortages in October 2021.

Asked to comment on Brewin's evidence, current chief executive, Ifti Majid, who announced his plans to retire in December 2025, said: ‘I was aware that as I joined the organisation that staffing was an issue, and I was aware of that because staffing was an issue across the mental health sector, so I was familiar with that from my previous organisation.'

Majid was also asked to respond to an email he wrote in October 2025 saying he was ‘fed up' with the inquiry's investigations.

A barrister representing the survivors also accused Majid of being ‘distracted' during a meeting and ‘more focused' on getting his lunch.

Responding, Majid said: ‘I feel really saddened, I feel really saddened by what you're describing, and those who know me know that that would never be my intention, in order to increase distress caused to people who are already suffering from such dreadful circumstances. So it's something that I need to think and reflect seriously on.'

The inquiry continues.