YORK District Hospital's unbeatable three-star rating reflects the hard work and skill of its staff from the chief executive downwards.

It is Government policy to reward the best. That means extra money, up to £1 million, to make the excellent service to patients even better.

Bosses have also been invited to bid for "foundation hospital" status. They should take this chance. It will give them greater freedom to introduce more of the sort of reforms that have served the people of North Yorkshire so well.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, July 25, 2002