WINCHESTER health bosses have started the search for a new chief executive.
Adverts have been placed in the national press to find a new leader for the six-figure salary post.
The current chief executive Martin Wakeley is leaving to take a job in the private healthcare sector on April 1.
Mike Gretton, chairman of the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust, said of Mr Wakeley's departure: "He will be a great loss to the trust after his excellent endeavours over the last two and a half years, during which he has led WEHCT to significant improvements in patient safety, quality of care and performance."
Dr Chris Gordon, the medical director, has been appointed as acting chief executive until the replacement arrives in post.
The trust serves 350,000 people across the Winchester, Eastleigh and Andover areas. It has 2,400 staff, an operating budget of £137m and assets valued at £106m.
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