An independent inquiry was formally opened into events at Stafford Hospital

An NHS trust reiterated its apologies to patients and their families at the opening of an independent inquiry into a hospital described as having "shocking" standards of care

In its opening statement to the inquiry, Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust said it wished to once again sincerely apologise for "harm and distress" caused to patients, their families and loved ones at Stafford Hospital.

The trust's statement also said that it openly welcomed the inquiry and wished to see a transparent and honest representation of the events at the hospital.

Members of the media were not allowed into the first day of the inquiry, which is being held in the Beaconside area of Stafford, but the trust's opening statement was released following the initial hearing.

The statement, submitted to the inquiry on behalf of trust chief executive Antony Sumara, read: "We are encouraging our staff to engage openly and honestly with the inquiry. It is important that we listen to what people say to ensure that we can build on the improvements we are making.

"Most importantly, the trust wish to learn from the inquiry to help us provide a caring and safe environment for the people of Staffordshire."

Counsel for the inquiry, Keith Morton, and those acting for campaign group Cure the NHS also made opening statements to the inquiry chairman, Robert Francis QC.

A damning report from the Healthcare Commission published in March detailed a catalogue of failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stafford and Cannock Chase hospitals.

Appalling standards of care for patients put many people at risk, and between 400 and 1,200 more people died than would have been expected in a three-year period from 2005 to 2008, the commission found.