A NORTH Yorkshire health trust has been praised in a survey which reveals patients have confidence in its medical staff.

However, the Harrogate Health Care Trust has also been told by the Commission for Health Improvement that it could do more to communicate with patients, particularly those worried about their condition or about how long they will have to wait for treatment.

Chief executive Miles Scott said: "Obviously, we are pleased this survey has revealed high levels of satisfaction for the services we offer.

"However, it doesn't mean we will rest on our laurels as improvements can always be made, particularly with regard to how we communicate with patients, and we make every effort to address this."

The results of the survey come as the trust prepares to begin work on a major redevelopment of the outpatients department and endoscopy unit at Harrogate District Hospital.

The existing facilities are more than 25 years old and with new equipment to come on line, the trust's executive decided the departments needed an overhaul.

Both will operate from temporary accommodation while the work is in progress.

Mr Scott said: "Obviously, we are very excited about the redevelopment project as there will be a significant increase in the level of service offered to patients once it is complete.

"However, as the redevelopment programme takes shape, there will be some displacement and disruption."

He said the trust would do everything possible to minimise the disturbance and appealed for the understanding and support of patients and visitors.