A PALLIATIVE care unit set up in memory of a former MP was opened yesterday.

The Joan Maynard Room at the Rutson Rehabilitation Hospital, Northallerton, has specialist equipment and en-suite facilities.

It has been designed to give support to terminally ill patients and people with progressive diseases.

The room has been set up through the efforts of the Joan Maynard Palliative Care Appeal, which was established in memory of the former Labour MP from Sowerby, near Thirsk, who died in 1998.

She was a strong supporter of hospice care, initially working as a local councillor and Labour Party agent in Thirsk before becoming MP for Sheffield Brightside.

Members of the appeal committee have been raising money for the past seven years through a series of community events and donations.

The room was opened yesterday by Richmond MP William Hague.

He said: "I think Joan would have had a wry smile seeing a former leader of the Conservative party opening something in her memory, although matters like this go across party lines.

"I think it is excellent that her memory has been marked in this way. She was a great public servant, both in local government and national politics."

Elaine Rooney, assistant director of nursing with Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "The room is a much more personalised area for what can be the last few days of a person's life.

"It means that we can cater for their needs, everything from getting out of bed to having a bath."

A second unit will be opened by Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh at the Lambert Hospital, Thirsk, in the next few weeks.

It has been paid for through donations from both the Joan Maynard Palliative Care Appeal and the Friends of the Lambert Hospital.

Chairwoman of the PCT, Sue Young, expressed her thanks to the Joan Maynard Palliative Care Appeal for making the provision of the units possible.

She said: "We are extremely grateful to the appeal for their energy, enthusiasm and commitment in driving forward this exciting development.

"The Joan Maynard Room is going to make a huge difference to the quality of life of people who are nearing the end of their lives."