THE NEW boss of Winchester hospital has unveiled plans to "de-clutter" wards and improve the look of the site.

Martin Wakeley, who described himself as a "northern lad," has taken over as chief executive of the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and Andover War Memorial Hospital.

He replaces Chris Evennett who was head-hunted to become deputy chief executive of South Central Strategic Health Authority.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare Trust, Mr Wakeley said he wanted to improve the look of both hospital sites.

Carpets will be cleaned and posters taken down.

Mr Wakeley said: "The first thing I will be concentrating on is cleanliness. I have strong belief a clean hospital is a happy one."

Signs to wards and hospital buildings - which the chief executive said he found confusing - will also go.

He said: "We will get rid of the signs and have a new signing system maybe in the floors or walls, making it easier for people to find their destination."

Mr Wakeley plans to create an "examplar ward" to set a standard for the rest of the hospital to follow.

He said this would have the best possible physical environment, clinical practise and customer care.

"We want to look at patients as people who have anxieties and problems - that is why they come to us for help."

Trust bosses have asked Mr Wakeley to help the hospital achieve Foundation Status this year.