A May CQC inspection was carried out in response to ongoing concerns over the trust's maternity, children and young people's services, and urgent and emergency care.

Hazel Roberts, CQC deputy director of operations in the East of England, said: ‘During our well-led inspection of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, we found serious and systemic failures in leadership and organisational culture that were putting people at risk and leaving staff feeling unsupported and undervalued.'

Roberts said ‘persistent quality and safety failures' had resulted in enforcement action in maternity, children and young people, and urgent and emergency care services and staff at all three of the trust's hospitals felt ‘disconnected from senior leaders, undervalued and unable to raise concerns without fear'.

The deputy director acknowledged the trust recognised the issues and challenges it continues to face and had ‘demonstrated an awareness of where improvements are required and have begun taking steps to address these'.

Chief executive Dawn Scrafield said: ‘We are deeply sorry for having failed our patients and staff. We know that they deserve better from us. 

‘We understand the depth of people's concerns. We fully accept the findings of the report and are committed to bringing about the improvements needed as quickly and sustainably as possible. We will ensure that the quality of our services improves at pace and will work with our staff, patients and partners to achieve this. 

‘We have begun to make the changes needed with a detailed improvement plan supported by a new organisational structure which will simplify the way in which we operate to clarify roles and accountabilities. Our new operating model will strengthen clinical leadership across the trust and equip our hospitals to deliver high quality care. We will support our leaders and ensure that we all work together to develop a culture of compassion, respect and excellence.'