No date set for hospital consultation

A spokesperson from the Clinical Commissioning Group confirmed that it has yet set a date for its public consultation and said it still working through the results of its public engagement process.

The proposals, which could see a 50 per cent cut in emergency provision at Calderdale Royal Hospital, were revealed by the Courier in February and have proved deeply unpopular with concerned residents.

Labour MP for Halifax Linda Riordan has criticised the way the proposals have been dealt with by health chiefs.

Mrs Riordan said: “The Government and health bosses got things the wrong way round. They tried to axe services and jobs first and consult second.

“However, their secret plans have now been exposed. Finally they might realise the sense of public outrage at any plans to axe the A&E, remove beds, cut jobs and local health services.

“I am meeting the chief executive of the Trust shortly and I will make it clear to him how badly this has been handled.

“It’s time for some honesty, openness and opinions from the people calling the shots on the future of our local health service.”

The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust is looking to save more than £50 million.