Decision due on plans for Calderdale and Huddersfield A&E departments

They are expected to publish recommendations for the future of Calderdale Royal Hospital tomorrow ahead of a public meeting on Wednesday.

The two Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) which control the local NHS budget have been drawing up plans to restructure services at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

Either Calderdale or Huddersfield Royal Infirmary could become the trust’s only A&E.

One site would have and “urgent care centre” for less serious ailments and carry out planned hospital procedures.

A report outlining the preferred option for A&E services is expected to be made public tomorrow.

On Wednesday, a joint meeting of Calderdale and Greater Huddersfield CCGs will decide whether a public consultation can be launched on the proposals.

The public meeting will be held at 1.30pm at the Briar Court Hotel, Halifax Road, Huddersfield.

People are invited to submit questions, which must be sent in writing to [email protected] by 5pm on Monday.

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust is expected to have a deficit of £25m by the end of this financial year.

It has also been forecast that NHS services in Calderdale and Huddersfield face a £155m funding shortfall by 2021.

But health bosses have insisted the A&E changes are to provide the safest care possible and are not financially motivated.