CHANGES to maternity services need to be made as soon as possible, health officials were told.

The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust board was told about the Government's response to the move of most such services from Huddersfield to Halifax when it met yesterday.

Members were told the next step was to look towards implementing the changes over the next two years.

This will involve working with other agencies to address issues and concerns, such as transport.

Chairman Gordon McLean said: "The next task for everyone involved is to get on and make it happen in a reasonable time."

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt had backed a review by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel into maternity services.

The panel supported plans to switch the bulk of services to the Calderdale Royal Hospital, leaving a midwife-led unit at the Royal Infirmary.

The move caused a huge storm of protest in Huddersfield.