HOLLYWOOD-style handprints have been set in stone to mark a major modernisation scheme at York District Hospital.

Former hospital consultants created the prints to kick-start York Health Services NHS Trust's project to vastly improve services to patients and visitors. The moulds will eventually be displayed within the building.

The £18 million clinical development will be the largest single investment at the hospital since it opened in 1976.

Chief executive Simon Pleydell said: "This project is a significant step forward in improving the quality of care and facilities we provide for our patients."

Also attending the ceremony were Dr John Bingle, retired consultant physician, and Mr David Roberts, retired consultant maxillofacial surgeon, who led the campaign to improve facilities for outpatients at the hospital.

The new development will accommodate a purpose-built eye department, a larger, modernised diabetes and endocrine centre, a medical illustration department and a separate £1m investment on a new entrance hall with shops.

Updated: 15:07 Tuesday, March 19, 2002