Frank Dobson must be North Yorkshire's favourite minister. He is a local boy, brought up in Dunnington, York.

His avuncular manner and off-message beard make him one of the characters of an otherwise dull Cabinet. Which other politician is straight-talking enough to describe the condition of many NHS hospitals as "dumps", as he did in Easingwold last month - and get away with it?

And every time he comes to the county, he brings some good news with him. He last came to York in March to open a £1 million renal unit at the district hospital. Today the Health Secretary was back in the city to publicise another initiative.

The Government has already announced its intention to spend £115 million in hospital casualty departments. Now we know where that money is going.

In terms of overall National Health Service spending, this is not a huge sum. But it will make a difference to each of the 149 units sharing in the cash.

More than £9 million will be spent on hospitals in the northern and Yorkshire regions. York District Hospital will benefit from an injection of half a million pounds.

The money will provide a night admission ward and additional resuscitation and medical equipment.

At Scarborough Hospital, £650,000 will build a children's treatment area and a casualty observation ward. And the administration of the Harrogate District Hospital casualty unit will become more efficient thanks to £30,000 for an improved patient records system.

Accident and emergency departments are medicine's front line. If they lack modern equipment and best practice, lives can be put at risk.

Most patients who go through casualty do not have life-threatening injuries. But they are in pain and traumatised, and anything that can make their visit quicker and more comfortable must be welcomed.

With his usual frankness, Mr Dobson said A&E patients "have all had some experience of waiting in rather grotty surroundings". He believes that is because casualty has previously been something of a Cinderella department in terms of NHS investment.

The strain has certainly shown. Winter accidents can place an intolerable strain on casualty units. The full effectiveness of this latest investment can only be fully judged when the ice and snow returns.

But the cash boost to York District Hospital comes on top of the £1 million invested to upgrade security in the accident and emergency department. Taken together, this should ensure staff and patients' experience in casualty is significantly improved.

see NEWS 'Dobson hospital cash boost'

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