The trust was rated requires improvement following a well-led inspection by the regulator that was prompted by concerns about the trust's maternity and neonatal services.

A maternity review of the trust made 101 improvement recommendations in July and it is also among 14 trusts subject to a national maternity investigation.

Brown, who replaced Professor Phil Brown after he stood down with immediate effect this month following his announcement in July that he would retire at the end of the year, said: ‘The CQC received reports of colleagues being subjected to racist and bullying behaviours, and a number of staff members said their concerns weren't listened to and that they experienced detriment after raising issues.

‘I want to sincerely apologise to those colleagues. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where colleagues feel safe, respected, and supported, but we clearly have more work to do to ensure racism, discrimination and bullying have no place in our hospitals.'

Brown said there was a ‘range of positive findings in the report which give us a firm base to build on', adding: ‘The CQC identified that among senior leaders there was a coherent consensus of where the trust was in terms of its strategic ambition and operational delivery, and how we need to improve to deliver consistent care that is safe and person-centred.

‘The CQC also noted that patient surveys evidence positive experiences, we take pride in our research, innovation and partnership working, and a clear vision for reducing our impact on the environment.'