The Cumberland Infirmary merged with another hospital

The board of the North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust met for the first time on Tuesday since the resignation of the chief executive last week.

Nick Wood left after allegations that a report by health watchdogs due out on Thursday will be critical of the Trust's management.

Board chairwoman Barbara Cannon said she was looking forward to taking positive steps to change the Trust for the better.

Services review

The West Cumberland Hospital and the Cumberland Infirmary have had problems trying to meet government waiting list targets.

They also have a budget overspend of nearly £4m.

There is also speculation that some cancer services may have to be moved from Carlisle to Whitehaven.

A Trust spokesman said there were no plans to move services anywhere at the moment and that a review of acute services will be published next month.