HEALTH bosses say the re-opening of a city's only hospital ward is a sign of their commitment to maintaining local services.

The 20-bed Trinity ward, at Ripon Community Hospital, was closed to patients a year ago for a modernisation scheme.

The hospital, built in 1850, is one of the oldest buildings still being used by the NHS, and since the ward closure, it has served out-patients only.

A fast-response medical team was set up to give intensive home support to many of those who would otherwise have been admitted, and some patients have been treated at other hospitals.

However, the ward is now about to re-open following the completion of the £500,000 project. People will have a chance to see the work that has been done at an open afternoon, from 1pm to 4pm, next Friday.

The chief executive of the primary care trust, (PCT) Penny Jones, said: "Work to transform the ward took longer than we anticipated due to some unexpected problems as a result of additional asbestos discovered in the building during the modernisation work.

"When local people see the new facility, however, I am sure they will be thrilled and agree it was worth the wait.

"Recent publicity about changes to the out-of-hours service have led some people to suggest that the role of the hospital is being diminished.

"This new ward and the additional services we are developing at Ripon Community Hospital will hopefully demonstrate the PCT's commitment to making the most of what we know is a very popular and well-loved local facility."

Structural alterations have been carried out to divide the ward and create toilet and bathing facilities, improving privacy for patients, and providing a brighter, more modern environment.

The fast-response team will stay in place, which should allow a broader range of patient services.

The hospital offers a range of services, including x-ray, a minor injuries unit, palliative care and a number of outpatient clinics