York Hospital is exceeding expectations. Its three-star rating marks it out as one of the best.

But it could be even better. It could do even more. Medical staff are keen to undertake extra operations, and bosses want to drive down waiting lists still further.

It is wonderful to see so much energy, enthusiasm and expertise, demonstrating that this NHS outpost at least has been reinvigorated. But that only makes today's news all the more frustrating. The hospital is raring to treat more patients, only to be lassoed by the purse strings of Selby and York Primary Care Trust.

The trust's £9.4 million deficit has led it to warn York Hospital to stop cutting waiting times. Doctors could treat many patients far earlier than the six-month maximum wait laid down by the Government. But the trust is telling them to hold off until the last moment.

They are classed as "non-emergency" cases. But for people with a worn-out knee or hip, surgery cannot come soon enough. Their life is on hold until the operation. Every day surgery is delayed is another day in unnecessary pain.

Meanwhile, hospital staff's morale is hit as another cash crisis puts the brakes on their good work. The Government has pledged more investment in the trust, to ensure that patient care is not compromised. Clearly, however, that has already happened.

The new money cannot come soon enough for York's doctors and patients.

Updated: 09:43 Wednesday, November 30, 2005