All non-urgent surgery cancelled at Calderdale Royal Hospital as birthing centre is closed at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Another major announcement by the Calderdale and Huddesfield NHS Trusts has confirmed the closure of the Huddersfield birthing centre.

It will now be providing protected capacity for cancer and other urgent surgery patients

The Trust has said it is contacting all women who are due to give birth in the next few days and to make alternative arrangements.

Following a continuing rise in the number of seriously unwell Covid-19 patients being admitted to both Calderdale Royal Hospital (CRH) and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (HRI), we have taken the difficult decision to reschedule non-urgent surgery. This position will be reviewed weekly.

The Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, Helen Barker, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly.

"Colleagues have been working extremely hard and have done all they could to continue to keep our services open and safe for our patients and their families for as long as possible during these challenging times.”

All emergency care, cancer surgery and care for other life-threatening serious conditions will continue to be provided.

The Trust is urging people to use their GP where possible as surgeries are open however if you have an emergency illness or serious injury you should attend A&E.

CHFT has said it will continue to support its local partners in Calderdale and Kirklees Councils encouraging local communities to follow the new national lockdown coming in on Thursday 5 November and to remember Hands, Face, Space – to help stop the spread of the virus.