Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust has appointed a new chief executive.

Stephen Day, currently chief executive of Broadland NHS Primary Care Trust, has been appointed to the post, it was announced on Friday.

Mr Day, 48, will take up his new post in January 2003.

He succeeds Malcolm Stamp, who is taking up the chief executive post at Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge.

Stephen Day starts in January 2003

Mr Day said: "I am delighted and excited to be appointed.

"This is a new era for the Norfolk and Norwich, with the new world-class hospital and the first students arriving at the new Medical School this week.

"I will dedicate myself to delivering the highest quality patient care, working in partnership with colleagues in primary care to ensure that we meet the needs and expectations of patients together.

'Delighted'

"It is a privilege to be able to serve the hospital and community as chief executive".

Trust chairman designate David Prior said: "We are delighted to have found a chief executive of Stephen's calibre.

"He brings a broad wealth of NHS experience to the job and his background in primary care will be invaluable in helping all the NHS services in Norfolk work in partnership to meet the health needs of local people."

Stephen Day joined the NHS in 1972 and has held a range of positions, including regional director of finance at the West Midlands Health Authority, and regional director of the NHS Executive, West Midlands.

The hospital's management team will continue to run the hospital's services in the period between Malcolm Stamp leaving and Stephen Day starting in January.

The new Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has been named the best designed hospital in the prestigious annual Building Better Healthcare Awards.