When the Evening Press revealed that ten elderly patients were stuck in hospital, even though they were fit enough to be discharged, many were shocked.

The problem was caused by social service cuts leading to a shortage of funds for nursing home places. As a result, the pensioners involved were left feeling abandoned. Meanwhile, vital beds needed for the sick were unavailable.

It was a scandal and deserved the urgent attention it was given by health and social services bosses. City of York Council agreed to put in more money, and York Health Trust has worked hard to alleviate the situation.

It is excellent to learn that the "bed blockages" are no more. Hopefully we will not see a repeat of this care crisis.

The improvement has come just in time. With the bad winter weather and the forthcoming Millennium celebrations, the NHS is under pressure like never before.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.