To rule on hospital

IT is just a matter of hours before councillors decide whether to pass a controversial plan which would close Huddersfield’s Accident and Emergency unit.

The long-awaited meeting, which takes place at Huddersfield Town Hall today, is open to the public.

Here is what will happen and how you can attend.

A scrutiny panel comprising of eight councillors (four from Kirklees, four from Calderdale) will decide whether to allow the plan, Right Care Right Time Right Place, to proceed.

The proposal would see the demolition of Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and the building of a much smaller hospital on an adjacent site.

It would have an urgent care centre but no emergency care unit.

Emergency care would be centralised at an expanded Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.

At the Kirklees-Calderdale Joint Health Scrutiny Committee today, members will adjourn to decide their ruling following questions to local NHS bosses behind the plan.

They will then return to the council chamber to deliver their decision.

If the councillors, who have had numerous misgivings about the plan, are satisfied that their concerns have been addressed, they can allow the proposal to proceed.

If they are not satisfied they can refer it to an Independent Reconfiguration Panel, which will investigate the plan and

The town hall will be open from 9.45am.

The meeting takes place in the council chamber where there will be room for the public.

But, as many people are expected to attend, a screen showing the meeting will be set up in the main hall.

Placards and signs will not be allowed in the chamber but they can be left by reception.

As a demonstration will be taking place outside there will be no parking on Corporation Street, Ramsden Street and Princess Street.

If you can’t attend, the meeting will be broadcast on Kirklees Council’s website here https:// kirklees.public-i.tv/core/portal/ webcast_interactive/286084