Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has agreed to meet local MPs to discuss their concerns about the potential closure of Huddersfield’s A&E.
But Mr Hunt has warned MPs Barry Sheerman and Jason McCartney that the decision on the hospital shake-up plan is ‘best made at a local level’ .
The minister, however, said he was ‘very happy’ to meet the Huddersfield and Colne Valley MPs to discuss their concerns about the Right Care Right Time Right Place plan.
The proposal was debated in Parliament earlier this month between Mr Sheerman , Mr McCartney , Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff , Spen MP Jo Cox and junior health minister Ben Gummer.
Mr Hunt said: “I know this is an issue of importance to you and your constituents and I am aware of the issues you have raised both at the recent Parliamentary debate and in your letter.
READ MORE: Rallying call ahead of Saturday's big protest
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the biggest protest in a generation
“I will not reply in details to the points you have raised as I know Ben Gummer responded to those concerns at the debate on February 4.
“However, I am very happy to meet to discuss your concerns further.”
Mr Hunt said he could meet the MPs, alongside NHS representatives, once the public consultation had begun.
But Mr Hunt warned: “You will understand this is a local process.
“Though I have a role to play where proposals for service change are referred to me by the overview and scrutiny committees of local councils, we are clear that decisions about local health services are best made at a local level where the health care needs of local populations are best understood.
“However, I am very happy to hear your concerns and facilitate discussion with the local NHS.”
