It's nice when Friends pick up the tab

Plans have been submitted for a £60,000 extension at St Monica's Hospital, at Easingwold, to improve services at the hospital.

The plans are for the development of comfort and sanitary services.

This includes the provision of en-suite facilities for residents in the 12-bed community hospital.

The plans also include a multi-purpose room for use by staff, patients and relatives,

This would be used either as a day care centre for patients or as a base for relatives for very sick patients.

The project is to be funded entirely by the Friends of St Monica's, a volunteer group raising funds to support the work of the hospital.

Friends' chairman Percy Featherstone said: "We have been working for several months now to raise funds and develop the plans.

"We are now hoping to get started on the building works before the summer ends, hoping for completion by the autumn.

"We are now just waiting for planning permission to go ahead."

The proposals have been put forward in a joint bid by the Friends and Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT).

A spokesman for Selby and York PCT said: "We are delighted to be working with the Friends. We are so pleased to have an organisation giving this much support and help for health care services.

"This is a sizeable project being undertaken by the Friends.

"We have worked with them to develop the best plans for the hospital and the community, and to support the plans being passed.

"We have a very strong Friends network.

We are delighted to be working with them on a number of projects in the area."

The scheme is also being supported by Easingwold Parish Council.

Mayor Diane Gallon said: "We have reviewed the plans, and wish to see the plans approved by the district council planning committee.

"There is no way we would oppose plans to improve services to our residents, especially since the project is being funded through the support of residents.

"We support all positive benefits to the town."

Updated: 11:05 Thursday, May 29, 2003