A&E is a straight fight between Halifax and Huddersfield, say the hospitals

A report by the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust makes it clear that three of the five original scenarios will not work.

It says the only two feasible options are for acute and emergency care to be moved to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary leaving Calderdale Royal Hospital as a site for planned care, or retaining Calderdale’s A&E department leaving Huddersfield as a site for planned care.

But the Clinical Commissioning Group say it will them and not the hospital trust who makes the final decision.

Chief Finance Officer at Calderdale CCG, Julie Lawreniuk, said: “No decisions have been made about significant changes to health care services in Calderdale and Greater Huddersfield.

“It is Calderdale and Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Groups which make the final decision.

“No decisions will be made about significant changes to health care services until after formal consultation.”

The Foundation Trust’s report says: “The acute and emergency hospital will specialise in providing treatment for people who have a serious of life threatening emergency care need and will provide accident and emergency services.

“Trauma, major surgery, critical care, acute general and specialist medicine, inpatient paediatric services and complex maternity services will be provided at the acute and emergency hospital.

“The hospital will bring together on one site the necessary acute facilities and expertise, 24 hours a day and seven days a week to maximise people’s chances of survival and a good recovery.

“For example, if you or a member of your family are experiencing a loss of conciousness; acute confused state and fits that are not stopping; persistent, severe chest pain; breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, the acute and emergency specialist hospital is where you would be taken or directed to.

“The planned specialist hospital will provide scheduled support, treatments and surgery. It will also provide urgent care and minor injury services that will offer walk-in access.

“For example, if you or a member of your family are requiring treatment for sprains and strains, broken bones, wound infections, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, insect and animal bites, minor eye injuries, injuries to the back, shoulder and chest you will be able to get care at the planned specialist hospital.”