TWO new operating theatres costing £1.5 million are to be built at York Hospital to reduce waiting times.

The theatres could be operational by the end of the year.

The theatres - an increase from ten to 12 - would help to deal with anticipated growth in demand, together with proposed reductions in waiting times in the Local Delivery Plan.

They would also be used to counteract a shortfall in theatre capacity during the expansion of the hospital's day unit.

Board members of York Health Services NHS Trust are expected to approve the proposals this week as part of a £3 million package of improvements, which also include the establishment of a cardiology-dedicated catheter laboratory and new radiology day beds.

In a report to board members, head of capital planning Brian Golding warns: "If this development does not proceed, the trust will not be able to meeting the LDP targets."

The new theatres would be on the hospital's first floor.

Updated: 10:30 Monday, May 26, 2003