A call has been made for councillors to unite against a government ruling.
And it is a Conservative councillor who will make the call at tomorrow’s Full Council.
Clr Robert Light, local Conservative leader, and his deputy Clr David Hall, have submitted a motion following the decision by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt not to review a decision affecting the future of Dewsbury District Hospital.
Clr Light told the Examiner: “We are local Conservatives with local views on what happens to our area and we will not support a proposal put forward which affects north or south Kirklees in this way.”
Earlier this month the changes to care at the Mid Yorkshire Trust were given the green light by the health minister.
Proposals will eventually lead to the number of beds at Dewsbury Hospital being cut from 360 to 110 and the removal of A&E consultant cover at night.
Clr Light has submitted a motion to Full Council urging councillors to unite and call on the Secretary of State to “review his decision not to insist on a full enquiry into the impact of the proposals”.
He wants a cross-party delegation of members to put the council’s case to the Secretary of State.
Clr Light told us: “I have concerns about what’s happening at hospitals across the area, the Mid Yorkshire changes are imminent, but what happens in Huddersfield and Calderdale will affect people in North Kirklees too.
“I could see the logic in having specialist centres for some health matters, but for most people easy access to quick health care matters and A&E provides that and the location is crucial.”
The Examiner has already reported that the Kirklees Lib Dems have submitted a motion in relation to proposals at Dewsbury as well as Calderdale and Huddersfield - a separate hospital trust which is also considering the future of A&E provision that could see one close or be downgraded.
The motions are listed for debate at tomorrow’s meeting of the Full Council and will be heard if time permits.
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