The trust's deputy chief executive, Andrew Harrison, has been covering for current chief executive Maggie Oldham, who remains on sick leave.

James Wilkie, chair of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals said: ‘Richard has wide experience of leading NHS organisations including at chief executive level in the West Midlands.

‘He also knows the trust well, having just recently worked to support Blackpool Teaching Hospitals in an advisory role focused on strategy and performance.

‘His appointment means we will be well-placed to build on the improvement work taking place across the trust and to make sure that patient safety and quality of care remain at the heart of everything we do as we approach winter, one of our busiest periods.'

The trust was one of 12 trusts in the national maternity investigation carried out by Baroness Amos and is among those receiving specialist support to tackle corridor care.