SOUTH Tees Hospitals NHS Trust has appointed a new medical director, consultant gastroenterologist Professor Mike Bramble.

Prof Bramble, pictured, who is chief of service for the division of medicine, will take up his post in April next year when present medical director Dr Paul Lawler retires.

Prof Bramble started his training at the University Hospital of North Tees and following this in Newcastle upon Tyne before taking up a consultant post at Middlesbrough General Hospital in 1982.

"I am delighted to be taking on this new role and to really making a difference," he said.