Lucy Letby was convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of seven others

Hospital managers were “aware for some time” that babies had been dying during Letby’s shifts, an inquiry heard.

Kate Blackwell KC said the Thirlwall Inquiry would be the first opportunity for management at the Countess of Chester to tell their story.

The inquiry heard that staff had conducted several reviews and investigations into the spike in deaths. But despite this they found no suggestion of “any unnatural event or the result of foul play”.

She said: “Senior managers were aware that Letby had been on shift when a number of deaths had occurred for some time.”

It is hoped senior managers would produce a “comprehensive account” of what happened at the hospital when giving evidence, Ms Blackwell said.

The management team represented are Ian Harvey, former Medical Director of the Countess of Chester Hospital, Alison Kelly, former Director of Nursing and Quality,, Antony Chambers, former Chief Executive and Susan Hodkinson, former Director of People and Organisational Development.

Letby was convicted last year of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of six others, as well as the attempted murder of a seventh baby at retrial in July.

The neonatal nurse is serving 15 whole-life orders, making her the fourth woman in UK history to be told she will never be released from prison.