Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust gets new chief

Mr Morton was previously chief executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

A troubled health trust covering south Cumbria and Lancashire has appointed an interim chief executive.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has faced critical reports from health watchdogs and police are investigating baby deaths.

Former chair Prof Eddie Kane, and chief executive Tony Halsall, resigned in the past four months.

Former Chesterfield Royal Hospital chief executive Eric Morton will take up the interim post, the trust said.

Deaths at the baby unit at Furness General Hospital, in Barrow, are being investigated by detectives, and health regulators have criticised standards at Royal Lancaster Infirmary' s A&E unit.

'Urgent meeting'

Current trust chair Sir David Henshaw said: "It is a great achievement to attract someone of Eric's calibre to assist the team in their important work of turning the trust around to ensure it provides consistently safe, high quality patient care to the public it serves."

Mr Morton said: "I look forward to working with the trust board, governors and staff in providing high quality services for our patients."

South Lakes MP Tim Farron welcomed the appointment.

He said: "New leadership is needed to turn our hospitals trust around.

"I have repeatedly said we need swift and decisive change to make the improvements that are so desperately needed to ensure the highest quality care for patients.

"I will be looking for an urgent meeting to talk about his plans for the trust and look forward to working together to improve patient care."