WORRIES about the move to a new hospital site in Selby were unfounded, an NHS spokeswoman has said.

The announcement comes six weeks after staff and patients moved from Selby War Memorial Hospital’s former site to the new building in Doncaster Road.

Julie Corbally, site co-ordinator for community hospitals York and Selby, said the atmosphere in the new buildings was very positive.

She said: “We were a bit worried about how the move might change things, but the new hospital has a lovely atmosphere.

“We have kept the friendly and welcoming feel and we’ve already had some great comments from the public.”

In the run up to the new hospital’s opening, the announcement that the name of the hospital would lose the War Memorial tag led to a huge public uproar, with councillors, residents and local community groups protesting.

Following a public vote, the facility was named the New Selby War Memorial Hospital, but Julie said the Friends of Selby War Memorial Hospital, who were involved with the campaign to keep the original name, have helped visitors to the new building.

Julie said: “We are especially grateful to the Friends Of Selby Hospital whose volunteers have been meeting and greeting people to direct them to services.

“All the clinical, admin, catering and domestic staff have worked really hard to ensure patients continue to get a good service.”

Last week, Selby District Council staff also moved to their new Doncaster Road home, with the transition to the new civic centre, which is part of the £22 million Selby Community Project.