A BUSINESSWOMAN, a former nurse and the wife of Durham University's vice-chancellor are among those who will lead six NHS trusts.

The County Durham and Darlington primary care trusts, which bring together GPs, nurses and councils to run primary health services, will be launched on April 1.

In each case, the primary care group chairman will become chairman of the primary care trust (PCT).

Lady Ann Calman, of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Group, will chair the Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT. She is married to Durham University's vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman.

Anne Beaton, a lecturer and former nurse, will chair the Durham Dales PCT. She lives in Staindrop.

Keith Murray-Hetherington, a civil servant and magistrate, will chair Derwentside PCT. He lives in Stanley.

Alan Gray, a councillor and former health authority member, will chair the Sedgefield PCT. He lives in Newton Aycliffe.

Penelope Young, a businesswoman and former health manager in New Zealand, will chair the Easington PCT. She lives in Seaham.