A BARRAGE of criticism was aimed at the Calderdale Primary Care Trust over its plans to shake up services.
A state-of-the-art all-purpose medical centre is planned for Birds Royd Lane, Brighouse.
It would enable a wider range of health care services to be provided which would reduce the need for patients to travel to hospitals.
The existing premis
es at Lawson Road and the Church Lane and Rydings Hall health centres in Brighouse would be replaced.
But, the plans also include replacing Rastrick Health Centre and users of that centre reacted strongly when draft plans were unveiled at Rastrick Parish Centre.
David Waddingham, trust associate director of commissioning, said the views of the community would be taken on board but he was given a rough ride with residents believing it was a "done deal."
A lack of transport was a significant concern.
"They have taken away our buses, our Post Office and now our health centre. I want the Rastrick Health Centre improved," said Shirley White.
Allan Myatt, is a pharmacist at Rastrick Health Centre and he said: "There has been no consultation. This has just been chucked at us.
"It is a disgrace. Many elderly people at Rastrick are elderly and can't easily travel.
"I can get a job somewhere else but that is not the point. These people are losing their health centre."
Patricia Towers said: "How can a place like that stop people just becoming a number?"
Joan Hirst said she agreed in principle.
"But, we have only one bus an hour. Progress is needed. The problem is when it's all piled into once place."
Mr Waddingham said transport issues, including running shuttle buses, would be looked at.
"We have to do more listening, I accept that," he said.
A planning application is expected to be submitted at the end of the month.
- A demonstration against axing the Rastrick Health Centre and bus services takes place on May 28, 2 pm, on Crowtrees Lane by Rastrick Library.
The full article contains 340 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
