A SENIOR politician has officially opened a hospital’s revamped accident and emergency department after redevelopment work.

Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague opened the department at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, yesterday.

The project has improved facilities for patients, in particular children and their families.

Changes have been made to the front of the department, including a new ambulance entrance for young people, a purposebuilt children’s facility and improved resuscitation areas.

Samit Mitra, the hospital’s accident and emergency consultant lead, said: “The rebuild has brought our department into the 21st Century and we now have a modern and up-to-date environment for children.

“The Friarage has a strong bond with the local community and the majority of the department staff live locally, with families of their own, so have true empathy with the children and their families.”

A hospital spokeswoman said: “Coming into hospital can be daunting for children but if the visit is planned, staff and families can usually help take some of that anxiety away.

“The circumstances are entirely different if a child finds themselves in accident and emergency after a road traffic accident or serious fall. Often they’re waiting for treatment alongside adults, leaving them feeling particularly vulnerable.

“The new facilities will make such a difference for young patients as they now have their own special area to make them feel more at ease.”