A huge multi-million pound expansion at York District Hospital today got the go-ahead from national NHS chiefs.

The £16 million scheme to create a new ophthalmology department, a new diabetes centre, and to revamp the first floor of the hospital is now expected to start in the autumn.

The much-awaited news will mean a massive cut in waiting times for cataract operations.

It marks the final victory in the Evening Press Fight for Sight campaign, which highlighted the plight of mainly elderly patients facing lengthy waits.

The trust plans a more integrated service, with managers hoping to cut waiting times for cataract operations from up to 17 months to just six months.

A spokesman for the York Health Services Trust said: "The trust is very pleased to announce that it has received approval from the NHS Executive for a new £16 million clinical development at York District Hospital."

He added this was the largest single investment in the hospital since it opened in 1976.

"A major new building will be provided to the rear of the entrance area of (the hospital), which will be a new ophthalmology department, a new diabetes centre, and medical illustration facilities.

"A large number of patients use these services each year, and this news will be welcomed by staff and patients alike.

"The scheme will also provide for improvements to the day surgery unit and wards on the surgical floor, and the critical care facility, over a five-year period."

The spokesman added that the first phase of the project - the new building - was expected to be completed by the end of 2002.

The new diabetes centre will replace a temporary unit.

Trust chief executive Simon Pleydell said: "This is a major step forward in our commitment to provide a high quality environment and high quality facilities for our patients.

"A lot of very hard work has gone into developing the case for this scheme, and I am delighted for everyone concerned that we now have approval to proceed.

"The support that we have received from North Yorkshire Health Authority and the local primary care trust has also been very important. This has been a real team effort."

Mike Harvey, the chief officer of York and District Community Health Council said: "It's great news.

"They are not just using it as an opportunity to improve the physical surroundings, but also to examine streamlining the whole patient experience."

He thought the trust might use the knowledge gained in updating other services as well.

The deputy chief officer of Age Concern in York, James Player, said: "That's excellent, we are very pleased.

"It's going to improve the safety and lifestyle of older people quite dramatically."

He also congratulated "one or two individuals" who had worked particularly hard for the scheme, and the Evening Press for its campaign.

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, April 25, 2001