by CAROLINE IMPEY

Patients staying in the borough's hospitals can expect cleaner wards soon thanks to a £300,000 cash boost.

The money is part of the Government's multi-million pound pledge to revolutionise the NHS ,, slashing waiting times and creating a patient-friendly service ,, over the next five years. It will be split equally between Barnet Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Edgware Community Hospital, and Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Barnet Hospital.

'Patients expect tidy wards and corridors, smart main entrances and clean furniture and flooring,' said an NHS spokesman. 'We are committed to improving patients' experiences by focusing on their comfort, convenience and dignity.'

Major problems at Barnet Hospital ,, such as long waiting lists, cancelled operations and trolley waits ,, will also be resolved using more funding, according to the Government.

In the meantime borough healthcare providers and Barnet Community Health Council are continuing to devise a plan to cope with winter pressures, and reduce current trolley waits with available funding.

cimpey@london.newsquest.co.uk