NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has appointed a medical director.

Dr Jessica Sokolov has been appointed to the role, a new post at the CCG, and takes up her position this week.

“I am passionate about the need for high quality, sustainable, cost effective services for the people of Shropshire, and recognise the value such services can bring to the community as a whole," she said.

“It is essential that we work in collaboration with the local partners and the public to improve the delivery of services, patient experience of services and access to care.”

In her new role Dr Sokolov will provide clinical advice to the CCG.

The appointment was approved by the CCG governors and Dr Ken Deacon, medical director at NHS England (North Midlands).

Dr Sokolov, 38, was the CCG’s deputy clinical chair and clinical director for women’s and children and

She has been a GP in Shropshire for many years, and will continue her work alongside her new role.

Dr Sokolov has served on the CCG’s governing body since 2015 and on Local Medical Committee (LMC) between 2013 and 2015.

She is also a member of the National NHS Clinical Commissioning Board.

Dr Julian Povey, chair of NHS Shropshire CCG, said: “For the last three years, Dr Jessica Sokolov has been an elected practice representative on the CCG Governing Body; I’m delighted she has now been appointed to take on an executive role as the medical director. I am looking forward to working alongside her in this new role.”

Dr Simon Freeman, the accountable officer of NHS Shropshire CCG, said: “We are delighted to appoint Dr Jessica Sokolov as the new medical director for NHS Shropshire CCG. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills to our leadership team and we look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”