The hospitals trust in charge of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary has appointed a new Chief Medical Officer.
Dr Helen Skinner has taken over the role at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).
Helen joins UHMBT from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, where she was Medical Director for Operational Delivery and a Stroke Consultant from August 2023 to the present.
She also holds a national role as Clinical Advisor for Geriatric Medicine with the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme.
Helen previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board and spent more than five years in Christchurch, New Zealand, holding a range of senior leadership positions including Chief of Service, General Manager, and Chief Medical Officer for Canterbury District Health Board.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities at UHMBT, Helen will also be regularly working clinically in the trust's hospitals, giving valuable insight into frontline care and the day-to-day experiences of patients and colleagues.
“Helen’s clinical and leadership experience - both locally, nationally and internationally - will be a tremendous asset to us all and it will be a hugely beneficial that she will continue to undertake clinical work as part of her role," said Aaron Cummins, chief executive at UHMBT.
"It will give us a real insight into the pressures and priorities our teams face."
Helen’s appointment follows the announcement that Miss Jane McNicholas, the trust's current Chief Medical Officer, will leave the trust at the end of April 2025.
Dr Caroline Brock, Deputy Medical Director and Consultant in Emergency Medicine, will support the trust as Interim Chief Medical Officer through this transition period until Helen joins on August 4.
Mr Cummins said: “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Jane for her hard work, dedication, and leadership over the past few years. Jane has made a significant impact during her time with us, and we wish her every success in her new role closer to home in Sheffield.”
The trust runs three main hospitals, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Furness General in Barrow and Westmorland General in Kendal, as well as the Queen Victoria Hospital healthcare centre in Morecambe.
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
Three people taken to hospital after road traffic collision in Morecambe
Injured police officer speaks of anger after jailed man freed 16 days after sentence
Morecambe woman to brave the shave to help dogs stay with their families
M6 near Lancaster to close for resurfacing
Full line-up for biggest ever Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
