SERVICES for patients at York Hospital have been boosted by a massive surge in donations.

The York Health Services NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, has received £210,000 in legacy donations during the financial year which ended in March - more than double the income the trust received in 2001.

With more people than ever deciding to make a bequest to the trust's charitable fund, improvements have been made to a wide range of services.

Lynne Jackson, gynaecology oncology nurse, said: "Thanks to legacies, gynaecology cancer patients in need of emotional and psychological support can find sanctuary in a private room separate from the ward."

Sister Sue Green said: "Money from legacies has paid for another room especially-designed to protect haematology patients, undergoing chemotherapy, who are prone to infection."

Spending has also been directed towards coronary care.

Alison Macdonald, coronary care ward manager, said: "Cardiac patients are no longer restricted to the coronary care unit.

"Thanks to new high-tech telemetry equipment that monitors patients' heart rhythms, patients now have the freedom to move around or receive treatment in other departments. Thanks to legacy donations up to eight patients at a time can move around, but still remain under the close observation of coronary staff."

George Wood, the trust's deputy chief executive, said: "We are delighted to receive such magnificent support." He said cash from legacies would continue to be directed towards improving patients' amenities and services."

Updated: 10:32 Wednesday, July 09, 2003