NHS bosses behind a plan which could close Huddersfield’s A&E have confirmed there will be a third large public meeting.

Health chiefs behind the Right Care Right Time Right Place are organising a third meeting after about 1,500 people were locked out of a public meeting at John Smith’s Stadium, on April 18.

But the venue and date is yet to be announced as Greater Huddersfield and Calderdale CCGs (clinical commissioning groups) are currently searching for a suitable venue.

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A spokesperson for the CCGs said: “We are finalising details for the third public meeting at the moment, looking at a suitable venue and date to ensure lots of time to still complete your survey.”

The John Smith’s Stadium venue, booked for April 18, held 520 people – but around 2,000 people turned up leaving the majority locked out in the car park.

It is believed CCGs chiefs are looking for a larger venue – although it may prove challenging as it needs to be available at relatively short notice, have disabled access and cannot be a religious building.

Meanwhile as the public consultation passes the halfway stage, five public information sessions remain.

They take place at:

  • Holmfirth Civic Hall, on May 10
  • The Textile Centre of Excellence, Red Doles Lane, Leeds Road, on May 14 (10am-4pm)
  • Halifax Orangebox, on May 18
  • Fartown Village Hall, on May 26
  • Clay House, West Vale, on June 1

All sessions run from 2pm to 8pm unless stated otherwise.

Holmfirth GP and Greater Huddersfield CCG board member has encouraged residents to attend one of the sessions.

Dr Hughes said: “Doctors, nurses and NHS staff have been out and about in 12 locations so far, providing people with more information, listening to their views and encouraging them to complete our consultation survey.

“Many people have commented that the events are informative and reassuring.

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“We encourage people to come along to our information sessions and keep talking to us for the remainder of the consultation.”

Under Right Care Right Time Right Place, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary will be demolished and replaced with a new hospital.

The new hospital, which will focus on planned care, will have 10 wards and an urgent care centre but crucially, no emergency care centre.

Emergency care will be centralised at an enhanced Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax.