MORE than £500,000 is to be spent on equipment to make life better for hospital patients and staff.

The cash is the York Health Services Trust's share in a £105m handout by the Government for capital projects to help modernise the NHS.

The York trust has been allocated £675,000, and has agreed how to spend most of it - although £100,000 is being kept in reserve for demands that may arise during the year.

"This is additional money beyond our budget and will really make a difference," said director of nursing Mike Proctor.

"We considered very carefully how to spend the money and we are confident it is being used in a way that will bring the best possible benefits.

"Everyone works hard to give our patients high quality care, and this extra investment will give these efforts a boost."

The money is being spent as follows: £181,000 for alternating pressure mattresses that help prevent sores; £65,000 for equipment to move patients with the minimum physical effort; £110,000 on electrically adjustable beds; £41,000 for infusion pumps, syringe drivers and pulse oximeters that administer drugs.

About £19,000 is being spent on six external defibrillators; £9,000 for equipment to aid patients with individual requirements; and £150,000 on further medical equipment still to be allocated.