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New Huddersfield Royal Infirmary A&E opens to care for public

Oli ConstableBBC News
News imageMichelle Lyons/BBC The outside of the A&E departmentMichelle Lyons/BBC
The new department opened to patients on Wednesday morning

A new, state-of-the-art accident and emergency department has finally opened at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (HRI).

The purpose-built facility started accepting new patients from midnight, replacing the 1960s A&E department.

It was meant to have opened in October but safety checks led to remedial works needing to be carried out.

The new department would help the hospital better deliver services to people in the area, clinical lead Dr Mark Davies said.

The new site, on South Drive, is twice the size as the previous A&E with services being transferred across.

News imageBBC/Michelle Lyons New A&E centre at HuddersfieldBBC/Michelle Lyons
The new A&E features special rooms for treating youngsters
News imageHuddersfield Royal Infirmary A yellow hallwayHuddersfield Royal Infirmary
The new centre began accepting patients from midnight

According to the hospital trust, facilities include:

  • a larger resuscitation area with four private bays
  • a dedicated children's waiting area
  • treatment rooms with sliding glass doors to improve privacy and dignity
  • two state-of-the-art X-ray rooms
  • a sensitively-located bereavement suite for families
News imageHuddersfield Royal Infirmary A minor injury unit with orange wallsHuddersfield Royal Infirmary
The new suites are marked with their function on the glass doors

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust had previously drawn up plans to close the hospital and replace it with a smaller unit and move A&E care to Calderdale.

In 2018, the plans were met with widespread opposition and the idea was scrapped.

The Hands Off HRI campaign group, set up to oppose the initial closure plans, said it was "delighted " the new facility was opening.

"A fantastic win for the people of Huddersfield. We did it for communities," Cristina George, from the group, said.

News imageMichelle Lyons/BBC Dr Mark DaviesMichelle Lyons/BBC
Dr Mark Davies appealed to people to choose what care they needed wisely, so the poorliest patients could be seen quickly

Dr Davies, consultant in emergency medicine and clinical lead for the A&E development at CHFT, said: "It will enable the hospital to better meet the needs of the people of Huddersfield and the surrounding area.

"It's your A&E - please use it wisely and help us prioritise those who need it most."

The new A&E will be open 24/7 and the previous facility on North Drive will be closed.

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