THE NHS trust that runs Okehampton and Moretonhampstead Hospitals has appointed a new non-executive director. The Northern Devon NHS Healthcare Trust has appointed Lesley Crawford to the post. She has a background in social care and housing and served for five years as a consultant with the Audit Commission, inspecting local housing authorities and assessing the rigour of their own best value reviews. Lesley said: 'I am delighted to have been asked to join the board of the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. 'I'm excited to be given the opportunity to use my knowledge of management and funding to help the Trust overcome the significant short and long-term challenges facing healthcare delivery. 'I am passionate that people have a right to receive excellent healthcare services delivered with respect and compassion.' Roger French, chairman, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Lesley to the board of the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. She brings a wide range of experience to the position, which will be invaluable in helping us take the organisation forwards.' Lesley has a post graduate diploma in management and spent five years as a non-executive director and member of the audit and risk committee of A2Dominion Housing Association. During three years with the Big Lottery Fund she was appointed a committee member for the Reaching Communities programme, which allocates £100million each year to good causes. Lesley then took on the challenging role of securing funding for Alzheimer's Support, a charity based in Wiltshire which provides practical assistance for people living with dementia and their family carers. For almost five years she generated one third of the charity's income via bids to large Trusts and Foundations, while at the same time studying an NFCE Level 2 certificate in dementia to help improve her knowledge and understanding of the condition.