Long-serving employee of the Local Health District Catherine Nowlan has been appointed and will start work from Monday, February 27.

Since Narrelle Davis’ unexpected resignation from the role in August 2011, the position has been filled by an acting general manager.

Western NSW Local Health District director of operations Lynne Weir said Ms Nowlan would be a welcome addition to the Orange Health Service, having spent time recently working as health service manager for Lachlan Health Service.

“I am sure she will be missed by the Parkes and Forbes communities, with whom she has worked closely,” Ms Weir said.

Ms Nowlan, who has been acting general manager of Dubbo Base Hospital since November, will continue in that role until she takes up her new responsibilities at the Orange Health Service.

Ms Weir thanked Scott Maunder and Susan Patterson for acting in the role of general manager at Orange Health Service while permanent manager was being recruited.