Hospital plans spark debate

TALKING POINT Councillors were due to debate changes at Dewsbury and District Hospital.

Kirklees councillors were due to discuss the proposals, which include downgrading A&E, as the News went to press yesterday.

The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust wants to radically reorganise services at its hospitals in Dewsbury, Wakefield and Pinderfields.

It could mean changes to the way emergency, maternity, children’s and surgical services are offered locally.

But the plans have proved unpopular with many in North Kirklees, and thousands signed a petition against any changes.

The petition, handed over to Kirklees Council in September, exceeded the 3,000 names needed to trigger a debate.

Dr Hanume Thimmegowda was due to address a full council meeting on behalf of all those who signed.

He was expected to say: “As a GP for over 30 years, I would not be serving my patients if I did not speak up against these outrageous proposals .

“The downgrading of A&E and the taking away of the children’s ward and maternity services is a big blow to the people of North Kirklees.

“A population this size needs and deserves its own A&E and maternity and children’s services.”

He planned to highlight the above average infant death rate in our district, the time it takes to travel from North Kirklees to the Trust’s other sites, and the long-term viability of Dewsbury hospital if it lost services.

He was expected to close by saying: “In conclusion there have been many arguments against this proposal, but I will leave you tonight with the most compelling one of all – the people of North Kirklees do not want it.”

The Trust says the changes will save more lives, reduce recovering and waiting times and be financially sustainable.

A 90 day public consultation is now underway.