Lucy Letby: Families' solicitor blames hospital bosses for police delay

The report concluded chief executive Tony Chambers was "dictatorial" in his approach to consultants and that presentations by executives to the hospital board were an "exercise in spin".

Bolton said the report had made for "difficult reading" but added that she hoped it would "bring change".

Chambers issued a joint statement with other senior leaders named in the report, saying: "Given that there are a number of investigations under way, and that the work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission has not yet completed, it would be inappropriate for us to offer any further comment at this time.

"Our thoughts remain with the families affected by the tragic events that took place at the Countess of Chester Hospital."

While Bolton said she hoped the inquiry would prove to be a "pivot point", publication of the report came amid continuing efforts by some campaigners and medical experts to challenge Letby's convictions.

Bolton criticised Letby's barrister, Mark McDonald, after he described the inquiry as having been based on a "false premise" of Letby's guilt.

"The purpose of the inquiry was to bring in recommendations that would ensure children aren't harmed, so to call it redundant so outwardly seems quite an unusual stance to take", she said.

Bolton added that protests outside Liverpool Town Hall during the publication of the report had also been "very difficult" for her clients to see.

"The families place great reassurance in the fact that most of this evidence has been tested at several different levels by people who are experienced to test this evidence.

"[The protest] is an entirely inappropriate response to a public inquiry designed to look at patient safety."