An esteemed health expert has been appointed to lead a new panel taking part in the controversial Calderdale and Huddersfield health review.
Calderdale Council has appointed Professor Andrew Kerslake as the Independent Chair of the People’s Commission on Health and Social Care.
And the eminent professor has vowed any changes to hospitals and health services must be “built upon the agreement with the local community”.
Health chiefs are currently proposing a radical overhaul of services that could see an A&E unit close and a massive shift in hospital beds to either Huddersfield Royal Infirmary or Calderdale Royal Hospital.
The People’s Commission has been established after councillors voted to reject local NHS chiefs plans.
It aims to give Calderdale people the chance to say what health and social care services they need and will also collect and review evidence.
Prof Kerslake is an Associate Director of the Institute of Public Care and an Emeritus Professor at Oxford Brookes University.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Independent Chair for Calderdale Council’s People’s Commission, which will give local people the opportunity to shape local services.
“Difficult decisions are being taken about the future of health and social care provision across the country.
“It is important that such decisions, even if painful, are rational and built upon agreement with the local community. Without this they will not stand the test of time.”
Calderdale Council Leader, Clr Tim Swift, said: “Andrew is the ideal candidate for the role of Independent Chair.
“He has a national reputation for his work on health and social care for older people and has the authority, knowledge and expertise which we need for the People’s Commission to succeed.”
The People’s Commission will have an evidence gathering panel which will include representation from the Council’s three main political parties and Calderdale Healthwatch.
It will hold several meetings in different parts of Calderdale specifically to listen to the views of Calderdale residents.
The People’s Commission is expected to make recommendations about the future of health and social care services in Calderdale to Full Council and the Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group in autumn 2014.
They want to hear from residents about the key issues which they want the People’s Commission to debate. If you would like your views to be considered email us at: peoplescommission@calderdale.gov.uk
Fears for the future of A&E in Huddersfield and Calderdale
Huddersfield and Calderdale A&E options to be revealed
Plans to close either Huddersfield or Calderdale A&E unit confirmed
Huddersfield and Calderdale A&E shake-up questions answered
Read your social media comments on the proposed changes to A&E in Huddersfield or Halifax
Huddersfield NHS bosses accused of 'dereliction of duties' over proposals to cut A&E
£150m and 100 fewer beds: real cost of Huddersfield and Halifax hospital shake-up options revealed
Protest march over feared NHS A&E cuts in Halifax
Huddersfield health chiefs grilled at first public meeting over hospital plans
Click here to take you back to more Huddersfield news.
Want to read, watch and hear more? You can download the FREE Examiner Apple App here, the FREE Examiner Android App here or you can view the paper as an e-edition on your Apple, Android or Kindle device by clicking here
To follow us on Twitter click here
