The new chief executive of Norfolk's largest hospital has revealed her ambition to "step down" the use of extra beds on wards.

In recent years, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has regularly turned to "escalation beds" to cope with sustained demand for its services.

The controversial measure sees seventh beds added to six-bed wards and in extreme cases even sees patients treated in corridors.

While it has helped to reduce the number of ambulances waiting in hospital car parks, it has been criticised for compromising comfort and privacy for patients receiving care at the Colney site.

During her first public board meeting, new chief executive Lesley Dwyer said she was determined for the hospital to reach a point where the measure is only used as a last resort.

Prof Dwyer, who joined the trust six weeks ago, said: "As of yesterday (April 2) we had got down to 46 escalation beds and coming off the Easter bank holiday that is a good achievement.

"We want to make sure we have a date in mind when we can stop the use of them.

"We also need to make sure that each time it is stepped down, it is done so quite quickly."

She said the measure had resulted in improved safety in the community, however, due to the impact it had had on releasing ambulances quicker.

Prof Dwyer added: "I do want to thank our staff for the way they have supported the escalation beds."

Prof Dwyer joined the trust from the same role at Central Adelaide Local Health Network, the largest organisation in South Australia.

She succeeded Nick Hulme, who carried out the role on an interim basis while continuing to also run the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust following the resignation of Sam Higginson.

Prof Dwyer added: "I have been welcomed really well, which has been fantastic."