A WARD in York Hospital that was almost entirely destroyed by fire reopened its doors to patients today.

Since the fire in the Medical Admission Unit (MAU) in September, staff have worked hard to completely refurbish and refit the unit.

Improvements include more side rooms to manage the mix of patients on the ward, doctors' offices and counselling rooms.

The area has been refitted to Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards.

Jim Easton, chief executive of York Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The action of the staff who were involved in the fire incident six weeks ago was exemplary.

But since then, we have seen another remarkable effort by staff to get the unit up-and-running in record time.

"I'm extremely proud of all their efforts and pleased that we can now welcome patients into the unit."

Clinical director for medical services Alastair Turnbull said: "We are delighted with the finished product. MAU sees up to 700 patients coming through its doors each month and I'm sure they will appreciate the more comfortable, fresher feel to the unit.

"We hope to offer really high standards of medical care in a much improved environment."

Updated: 10:20 Tuesday, November 30, 2004