Dan GrimmerThe search for a new chief executive for the county's main primary care trust has begun this week.Dan Grimmer

The search for a new chief executive for the county's main primary care trust has begun this week.

NHS Norfolk is advertising for 'an exceptional individual' to replace Julie Garbutt who will soon leave the organisation.

With a budget of �1.2 billion, NHS Norfolk is responsible for planning and buying healthcare for 750,000 people.

A leading executive recruitment agency has been commissioned to find the right person and advertisements are being placed in national media this week. Applicants are being invited to apply during April and May.

Chairwoman of NHS Norfolk, Sheila Childerhouse, said: 'Our new chief executive will have a very important and challenging job on their hands and I am very clear they must be of the very highest calibre.

'We are entering a phase when all public services are under pressure and when we are transforming the type of health services we commission on behalf of the people of Norfolk to offer more care at a community level, freeing up hospital resources for those who really need it. The new Chief Executive will lead that process.'

Mrs Childerhouse wants the appointment to be an opportunity for local people to have a say. Organisations and people outside NHS Norfolk will be invited to participate in a stakeholder day which each shortlisted candidate will be asked to attend. The stakeholders will report back to the final interview panel.

Mrs Garbutt announced in March her appointment to lead health and social care in Jersey and she will depart at the end of May. The deputy chief executive David Stonehouse will act as interim boss until a successor is found.