Debbie Abrahams ‘snubbed’ by health chiefs over closure of St Luke’s Hospital in Crosland Moor

Apr 2 2010 by Katie Grant, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HEALTH chiefs have been accused of snubbing calls for a public meeting over the future of St Luke’s Hospital.

And it is a blow for people who rely on mental health services in Huddersfield.

Colne Valley Labour Parliamentary candidate Debbie Abrahams, has called for a public meeting to address concerns over the closure of St Luke’s Hospital in Crosland Moor.

She wrote to the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the site, urging that beds for mental health patients in Huddersfield should not be lost to Calderdale and Dewsbury.

She said: “I cannot reveal the contents of the Trust’s letter because it is headed Private and Confidential, but I think their attitude is disgraceful.

“They have confirmed that St Luke’s will shut in December and if alternative premises cannot be found, inpatient services will be moved to Calderdale and Dewsbury.

“They say that this transfer will be an interim one, but it could become permanent.

“I asked in my letter to the Trust that if the move from the Huddersfield area is temporary, that a timetable be provided for their return.

“Under the NHS Act of 2006 the Trust should engage with service users and the public about the changes. This is something they have failed to do.”