THE trust which runs Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital has appointed a new chief executive.

Martin Wakeley, 38, is due to take up his new post with Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust in August. He is the permanent replacement for Chris Evennett who has moved to become deputy chief executive of South Central Strategic Health Authority.

Mr Wakeley, married with three children, is currently deputy chief executive of a health trust in Manchester.

He has a clinical background in pathology as well as senior management positions within the NHS and as a consultant.

News of the appointment comes as the trust's annual accounts, published this week, show it broke even in 2006/7 after running up debts of £3m last year.

The trust now plans to act on its long-delayed plans to bid for foundation status, giving more independence from Government.

Mr Wakeley said: "I am delighted to be joining the trust at this exciting time and look forward with staff, patients and its many friends in achieving Foundation Status in 2008.

"The people of Winchester and the surrounding areas deserve modern and well-equipped healthcare facilities, staffed by experienced and highly motivated staff. I intend to ensure that we deliver against this expectation."

Rosemary Black, the trust's acting chairman, said: "We are thrilled that Martin has accepted the post here. His skills and experience are just what we need as this time. Leading a trust to foundation status is no mean feat but we are confident that Martin was the best choice, even though the competition was very strong."

She paid tribute to Juliet Beal, director of nursing, who will remain acting chief executive until the end of July.