The interim chief executive of Mayday Hospital has been given the job on a permanent basis.

Helen Walley took over the role in June this year following the departure of Vannessa Wood who resigned from her £115,000-a-year post because she felt the cash strapped hospital needed someone with a "different set of skills".

A spokesman for the London Road hospital said that Helen's appointment followed a "rigorous selection procedure" which ended in unanimous decision by the panel.

Announcing her appointment, Chairman Brian Phillpott said: "I am delighted that Helen's appointment as Chief Executive has been ratified. In the short time that Helen has been interim CEO she has been inspirational in her leadership and determination that Mayday Healthcare Trust should continue to provide good quality healthcare to our local community."

Helen said: "I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the substantive Chief Executive here at Mayday. During my time as interim CEO I realised that I wanted to stay and continue the good work of which staff at Mayday can rightly be proud."