The Cumberland Infirmary is one of the trust hospitals

Eric Urquhart has been filling in as chairman of the North Cumbria Acute Hospitals Trust since March.

The Trust was described earlier this year as lacking leadership, direction and planning and ended the financial year �5m in the red.

Mr Urquhart replaces Barbara Cannon who resigned after a report criticised the way the Cumberland Infirmary and the West Cumberland Hospital was run.

He said he hoped new staff would improve the way the Trust - which last week was awarded zero stars by a health watchdog - is run.

Track record

Mr Urquhart said: "I acknowledge the confidence which has been placed in me.

"I look forward to leading the Board and the new management team in consolidating and developing improved systems within the Trust to support the high standards of our clinical care; a process which has already begun."

Kath Reade, Chair of Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority, welcomed Mr Urquhart's appointment.

She said: "Eric has a solid track record and has earned the respect of the local people in North Cumbria."