HOSPITALS in North Yorkshire are on track to ensure no patient waits more than 12 months for treatment, according to health chiefs.

But at York District Hospital, one of five acute hospitals in the county, there were still 56 people waiting more than 12 months at the end of October.

The hospital has pledged to achieve its target of no patients waiting for more than 12-month by the end of November, bringing it in line with the other four acute hospitals, and will receive a share of more than £2.6m in order to do so, a meeting of the Health Authority will hear next Monday.

A total of £2m has been committed to ease problems with delayed discharges, while £350,000 has been allocated in Harrogate and York to reduce the number of cancelled operations and trolley waits.

A further £309,000 has been allocated to help eliminate 12-month waits and reduce maximum waiting times.

Barrie Fisher, chief executive of North Yorkshire Health Authority, said that firm plans were in place and monitoring would take place over the coming months.

Updated: 11:09 Monday, November 12, 2001