A NEW day surgery unit at the Holme Valley Memorial Hospital was officially opened by local artist Ashley Jackson. He is pictured (right) with the chairman of the South Huddersfield Primary Care Trust, Bill Mayers.

The surgery aims to reduce referrals to acute hospitals by offering a choice of care in a community setting.

The development cost about £750,000.

Services provided include podiatry and colposcopy cell checks. From next month they will also will include plastic surgery.

Mr Mayers said: "The South Huddersfield trust has made great progress in improving the quality and range of services available to our patients.

"The Memorial Hospital is at the heart of the local community.

"The opening of the day surgery unit represents our commitment to extend the range of services offered at the hospital and to offer services as close to home as possible.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their continued dedication and hard work."