A CUMBRIAN health trust has appointed six new senior medics.

The Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs cottage hospitals and community health services, has welcomed them to a range of operational areas.

Dr Craig Melrose, a practising GP from the county, is the new associate medical director for the trust.

Dr Raj Verma has also recently joined as associate medical director and paediatric lead for the children and families care group.

He has more than 30 years experience working with paediatrics with a special interest in autism, behavioural paediatrics and cerebral palsy.

Four new consultants joining the trust's specialist care units are Matt Phillips, who has joined the sexual health team; Amy Gadoud who is joining the palliative care team; Muhammad Asam the diabetes team and Steven Wilkinson who has joined the learning disabilities team.

The trust's chief executive Claire Molloy said: "I’m really delighted to welcome these colleagues to our trust.

"I know that each of them has a great contribution to make to our teams and to the patients we serve."