NHS chiefs consult on shake-up plan

*HEALTH chiefs will next week launch a major public consultation on controversial plans which could lead to full maternity and A&E services being axed at a Yorkshire hospital.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2013, 00:01 BST

Local people will be asked for their views over the shake up of care in the Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury areas.

Under the plans, Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield will become a centre for emergency and unplanned care. The A&E unit and full maternity service at Dewsbury’s hospital would be downgraded, with patients transferred by ambulance being treated in Wakefield which would also deal with higher risk births.

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Health chiefs say the proposals will save more lives, improve patient outcomes and recovery rates and make best use of taxpayers’ money.

GP David Kelly, chairman of NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “People are living longer than ever before and treatments are getting better all the time so it is vital that health services adapt to these changes. If we don’t we will be short changing local people now and in the future.

A series of roadshows and drop-in sessions will be taking place over the 12-week consultation period and public meetings will be held in Dewsbury, Wakefield, Pontefract and Morley.

Related topics:WakefieldNHSDewsburyPontefractYorkshire