Health chiefs get hospital warning

The Lambert Memorial Hospital, in Thirsk, is being officially re-opened by Conservative MP Anne McIntosh following a £110,000 programme of refurbishment work, which started last November and left some fearing for the long-term future of the hospital after being hit by a catalogue of delays.

Several weeks into the work, it was revealed the main contractor that had been chosen by North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) had gone into administration, and the work ended up going on more than a month over schedule.

Councillor Gareth Dadd, who represents Thirsk on North Yorkshire County Council, said: “What has been clear right throughout this debacle, which has been beset by delays, is how important this hospital is

“There is a very clear message from the town to the PCT and it is the same to the commissioning GPs who will take over – it is hands off the Lambert Hospital.

“We have had our hearts in our mouths over the past few months, but this is a major celebration for the town.”

The refurbishment works involved the replacement of flooring on the ground floor, extending the waiting area, and an extensive redecoration of the wards and public areas.

Managing director of North Yorkshire and York community and mental health services, Janet Probert, said: “We are thrilled with the results of the refurbishment programme. The environment is much brighter and more inviting for patients and provides much better cleaning facilities for staff in line with Care Quality Commission requirements and our own strict infection control procedures.”

The hospital admitted its first patients last month.