NHS England has welcomed a new medical director in Cumbria and the North East.

Professor Chris Gray, who has worked in the NHS for 35 years, took up his role at the beginning of the month.

He takes over from interim medical director, Dr Jonathan Slade, who returns to his position as deputy medical director.

The 58-year-old has worked for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust as executive medical director, postgraduate Dean to the Northern Region and as a practising NHS consultant in Sunderland, Gateshead and Edinburgh.