Meeting to get update on hospital proposals

Dewsbury Area Committee will get an update on plans to downgrade A&E services at Dewsbury and District Hospital when it meets tomorrow (Tuesday).

A public consultation is now taking place about the plans, which also include changes to maternity, children’s and surgical services.

Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust chief executive Stephen Eames will be answering questions at the meeting in Dewsbury Town Hall at 5pm.

Emergency consultant Matt Shepherd and Dr David Kelly, chair of North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group, will also be present.

Area committee chairman Coun Masood Ahmed said: “I want to encourage as many people as possible to come along to our committee meeting on Tuesday.

“This is a key chance for local people to ask any questions they have about the proposals and voice concerns about the potential negative impact on local health services.”

He added: “Local people want to see maintenance, if not further investment in local health services, rather than the reduction or downgrade proposed by the trust.”