A NEW director of public health has taken up her post in Sedgefield borough.

Dr Alyson Learmonth will work with Sedgefield Primary Care Trust staff, local neighbourhoods and communities on programmes to improve health and well-being and reduce inequalities in health services.

A significant part of her time will be spent working with the Local Strategic Partnership to build on the skills and knowledge existing across all sectors, and create a joint approach to addressing these issues.

Dr Learmonth previously worked as health promotion strategist for County Durham and Darlington Health Authority, and most recently as regional associate director for the Health Development Agency (North-East).