A CASH investment to revamp ear, nose and throat (ENT) services has been announced by health chiefs in York.

The Government money will mean shorter waiting times and better facilities for patients at York District Hospital.

The capital funding will be used to redesign and expand the ear, nose and throat department, with outpatients' services being moved into modern facilities nearby.

As well as the building work, which will start later this year, there will be an overhaul of services as different specialist staff are brought into the first phases of a patient's treatment, rather than waiting until the patient has seen a doctor first.

The health trust's acute services operational director, Susan Acott, said: "We're delighted to be able to make such a massive investment into ENT services, which will be a big boost to our patients.

"This sort of modern approach is not possible in the cramped and traditional conditions within the present department. Staff are now looking forward to being able to provide an accessible and flexible service in a pleasant environment."