Halifax set to be centre for A&E services

Under the plans, Halifax would be the main A&E for Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (HRI) would have an “urgent care centre” treating patients with less serious ailments, and the town’s main hospital site could be knocked down.

News that Calderdale Royal Hospital (CRH) would keep its A&E was welcomed after fears were raised that the town’s hospital could be downgraded.

But the announcement has met a backlash from campaigners who want to keep emergency services at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Halifax MP Holly Lynch said: “This is good news for Calderdale and will be welcomed by local people.

“At long last we have clarity about exactly what reconfiguration plans will mean for both Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, ending months of speculation.”

More than 20,000 people have already signed a petition calling for Huddersfield’s A&E to remain open, and thousands more have joined a Facebook page on the issue.

The plans have also been criticised by the Royal College of Nursing.

The RCN’s Sarah Dodsworth said: “The RCN is concerned about the timing of this announcement and the potential impact on patient safety and care right across West Yorkshire.

“There does not appear to have been adequate open and meaningful consultation in the lead up to Friday’s announcement.”

Read more about the A&E proposals at Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary:

Fewer people would die in hospital if accident and emergency care was centralised at one site, according to a report by NHS bosses.

NHS services in Calderdale and Huddersfield face a budget shortfall of more than £280m over the next seven years.

NHS bosses decided to launch a public consultation on the hospital shake-up at a meeting on Wednesday.