Shabby hospital lifts are up for a major refit

I would agree that the lifts have all looked shabby for far too long. But your readers will be glad to know the trust is doing something about them right now. All eight patient/visitor lifts - which must be the busiest lifts in the county - are in the process of being refurbished.

They have already been fitted with an audible commentary to help everyone, particularly those with a disability, find their way around much more easily. In addition, those dreadful carpets, originally fitted to discourage graffiti, are on the way out.

In a matter of weeks the work will be finished and the lifts will have new floors and walls and much better lighting. We are also using the down time to complete a major mechanical overhaul.

It is always difficult to make very busy, tired areas look clean, but I can assure you the lifts are not a source of infection, as Mr Wortley fears. They are regularly cleaned and York District Hospital's record on hospital-acquired infection is well below the national average.

The refurbished lifts will be easier to keep clean and keep looking clean. It may have been a long time coming - the plans go back more than a year - but I am confident future users will appreciate the improved environment.

Step by step we are raising standards at the hospital for the benefit of all our patients, visitors and staff. The new lifts are an important part of this process.

Danny J Morgan, Director of Facilities,York District Hospital, Wigginton Road, York.

...RECENTLY I suddenly took ill and my very good neighbours, Barry and Barbara Maltby and Madeline Pratt, initially attended to me and arranged the services of the ambulance and crew who were wonderful.

I cannot speak too highly of the services which York District Hospital gave me. The nurses truly are angels.

R K Edwards,

Barley Rise,

Strensall, York.

Updated: 10:41 Wednesday, June 20, 2001