Cobb joined the trust as director of finance in 2022, having previously worked at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in senior finance roles.

She is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants and is also part of the North West Women in Leadership network.

Cobb has been the interim chief financial officer since Chris Adcock left the trust in April 2025.

Aaron Cummins, newly appointed chief executive at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'Helen has made a valuable contribution to our ambition to improve services for our patients, whilst continuing to work towards a breakeven position at the end of this financial year.

'I'm delighted that Helen has been appointed on a permanent basis and look forward to continuing to work with her.'