Critically ill to be transferred from Dewsbury A&E
Dewsbury and District Hospital A&E unit from where extremely ill casualties are likely to be moved to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield A&E service at Dewsbury was at threat of downgrading were “scaremongering”.
Her comments caused anger among campaigners and activists trying to save Huddersfield Royal Infirmary from a similar project.
Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff who has been campaigning against the plan since 2013, said she remained “incredibly concerned” about it.
She said: “The Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, confirmed recently that following this downgrade 30% of patients who are currently treated at Dewsbury A&E department will have to attend Pinderfields, which is already buckling under the pressure.
“Their staffing crisis is well documented and they consistently miss the four-hour waiting target. “Our NHS is being chronically underfunded by this government and I will continue to press Jeremy Hunt to come and see first-hand the devastating impact of their savage cuts to health provision across Kirklees.”
A statement from Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals, said: “Consolidating specialist and critical care onto one site will mean the most seriously ill patients get faster access to senior clinicians with the right skills which will mean they are more likely to make a good recovery.
“Patients with less serious or urgent care needs will still be able to receive all of their treatment locally.
“The Emergency Department at Dewsbury and District Hospital continues as it does today to offer 24/7 consultant-led emergency care.
“Patients are reminded that they should continue to take themselves to Dewsbury and District Hospital unless they need an ambulance.
“If they call an ambulance the paramedics will decide which is the best hospital for their needs.”
Patients with less serious or urgent care needs will still be able to receive all of their treatment locally
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