MELANIE Fordham has been appointed director of commissioning and performance with Sedgefield Primary Care Trust.

Mrs Fordham joined the NHS in 1984 and has worked in south Durham for eight years, most recently as director of planning and commissioning and deputy chief executive of the Sedgefield Primary Care Group.

In her new role, Mrs Fordham will be responsible for planning service development and purchasing services, and will take responsibility for managing the performance of the trust.

She said: "I am delighted to be able to continue working with colleagues in Sedgefield, both in health organisations and other agencies. I am looking forward to building on the work of the former primary care group in my new role."

Commenting on her appointment, trust chief executive Nigel Porter said: "This is a key role and I know that Melanie's experience and knowledge will help Sedgefield Primary Care Trust in building positive relationships. I am delighted that Melanie has been appointed to the PCT."