Leaders give backing for multi-million pound Calderdale Royal Hospital extension plans

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust has unveiled the latest proposals and artists’ impressions for development work and new buildings at Calderdale Royal Hospital

They include an extension of hospital buildings with new departments as well as a multi-storey patient and staff car park.

The Trust’s Chair, Philip Lewer, said: “This is very much an ongoing journey to ensure we provide the best hospital healthcare for patients and families in Huddersfield and Calderdale for now and for future generations.”

A number of estate developments are needed at the Calderdale Royal Hospital according to the Trust.

The Trust says these developments will improve service delivery, provide improved clinical facilities and patient safety, and will enable compliance with national recommendations for estate and clinical service delivery.

A new 30,000m2 hospital building and related estate developments is being planned and will include a new A&E department, a paediatric A&E department, additional theatre caacity and a further ten inpatient wards.

The multi-storey will be a similar scale and height to the existing main hospital buildings and will have ‘high-quality and sensitive design response to setting in the townscape’ the Trust say

Halifax MP Holly Lynch said: “I welcome this investment in our hospital which will help our NHS Trust to deliver better services and health outcomes for the people of Calderdale. It is important however that the aesthetics of the new buildings are sensitive to the character of the surrounding area, as well as taking into account traffic and parking considerations. I’d therefore encourage local people to have their say on these plans and contribute to the consultation.”

The £196.5 million proposals are funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and fully supported by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Healthcare Partnership.

Councillor Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “The plans for Calderdale Royal Hospital represent significant investment in our borough, as we progress towards the Vision2024 for Calderdale to help people live a larger life.

“In Calderdale, we have a strong focus on improving local people’s wellbeing and ensuring the best care that meets each person’s individual needs within their own community. So it’s great to see the proposals for the hospital, which would boost facilities for patients and staff, help attract new talent and bring wider social and economic benefits. As local people are at the heart of our health and care system, it’s really important that they have their say on the plans.

“The proposals complement the existing pioneering collaboration between the NHS, the Council and the voluntary sector through Calderdale Cares, and the fantastic ongoing partnership work to help residents enjoy longer, happier lives; reduce health inequalities; and tackle climate change through encouraging sustainable travel.”

Members of the public across the communities of Calderdale and Greater Huddersfield are being invited to share their views on the new developments proposed in advance of planning applications being submitted to the Calderdale and Kirklees councils in May.

The deadline for people to have their say is Monday March 29.