The Inquiry's main hearings began on Monday 8 November 2010, with opening statements from Robert Francis QC (the Inquiry Chairman) and Tom Kark QC (Counsel to the Inquiry).
The Inquiry's second day of hearings took place on Tuesday 9 November 2010, with a continuation of the opening statement by Tom Kark QC (Counsel to the Inquiry).
The third day of the Inquiry's main hearings took place on Wednesday 10 November 2010. Tom Kark QC concluded his opening statement. This was followed by opening statements on behalf of Cure the NHS, Action Against Medical Accidents, South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust, and Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.
The fourth day of the Inquiry's hearings took place on Thursday 11 November. Opening statements were heard from the Patients Association, the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, the Care Quality Commission, Monitor, the Royal College of Physicians, and the Department of Health.