AS MULTI-million pound schemes to transform York District Hospital get into gear, two new "guiding lights" have been taken on to help patients and visitors find their way around the altered site.

Hospital information guides Stuart Simpson and Nicola Hancy have been specially trained to support people coming to the hospital during the crucial building schemes.

Based in the new Information Booth, outside the hospital's main entrance, they will be available from 9am to 3pm to guide visitors around the site.

Work is currently under way at the hospital to create a new clinical building, the first phase of a £16 million redevelopment programme. It will house an integrated eye department, diabetes and endocrine centre, and medical illustration department.

Building work has also now started on the entrance and reception area of the hospital, providing a major facelift to create a more welcoming environment, with services and shops for patients, visitors and staff.

Work has also begun to overhaul and develop the utilities infrastructure to support clinical expansion.

A temporary entrance is in place until the end of the year, a little to the right of the usual main entrance. There is a temporary pedestrian walkway leading to the temporary entrance.

Danny Morgan, director of facilities for York Health Services NHS Trust, said: "This important redevelopment programme presents a real challenge to us, as we need to continue to provide clinical services during noisy and disruptive building work.

"The reward is, of course, a better working environment for staff and more modern clinical facilities for patients and carers.

"In the meantime, it is appreciated that our staff and patients are being particularly understanding and supportive during this period.

"We hope that Stuart and Nicola will help ease any difficulties and confusion during this time, so please make use of their knowledge of the hospital and ask them for help if you need it."

Updated: 09:42 Wednesday, November 06, 2002