The chief of Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital has called it a day after six years in the post.

David Livermore, chairman of Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust, left yesterday (October 31st). He will be replaced by Barbara North, currently chairman of Mid-Hants Primary Care Trust.

Chief executive, Rod Halls, paid tribute to Mr Livermore, who was with for IBM for 30 years, becoming UK sales director.

"David has made an outstanding contribution to the trust's work, especially in areas such as information technology.

"He has been very supportive of staff, volunteers and patients and a strong advocate of keeping and developing local services, helping us achieve significant improvements in the range and quality of services."