Dr Harford was acting general manager at the hospital and will formally take up the position on February 15.

Dr Harford had held several senior leadership roles since joining MLHD and the former Greater Southern Area Health Service in 2009, including Riverina Rural Group manager and director of nursing and midwifery for the central sector.

She was the principal advisor of nurse practitioner services in the NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Office for five years which included the establishment of over 100 nurse practitioner positions in acute, chronic and primary care specialties across metropolitan and rural NSW.

Prior to this, Dr Harford was nursing manager of cardiology and cardiothoracic services at Westmead Hospital for seven years.

In addition to her professional experience, Dr Harford had a Bachelor of Science majoring in physiology and microbiology, as well as a graduate certificate in health sciences (management), a Masters degree in clinical nursing and a doctorate in casualty nursing.

“Dr Harford has a strong commitment to the delivery of quality health care for people in our communities and has an ongoing passion for patient-centred care,” MLHD chief executive Jill Ludford said.

“Her depth of experience and knowledge is a tremendous asset to the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.”