THE HEAD of Huddersfield's patient watchdog has quit after rows with hospital bosses.

Dr Bob Heys has resigned as chairman of Calderdale and Huddersfield Hospital Patient and Public Involvement Forum after talks with trust officials broke down.

Dr Heys, a former consultant, said: "I am disappointed but I feel the attitude of the Trust has been very negative.

"It appears the Trust has no interest in co-operating with the Forum.

"They don't seem to want us to do what we are expected to do because of long delays in getting information to us and not consulting us about major patient changes.

"We are volunteers giving up our spare time in the public interest.

"To be treated in this way is unacceptable."

Dr Heys took up the post two years ago to oversee patient care at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital.

The Forum's job is to represent the views of patients and the public in decision making about local health services.

But relations between its members and the Trust broke down last year.

Dr Heys said hospital bosses repeatedly failed to respond to information requests within the 20-day time limit.

He said he was also subjected to harassment by trust officials after speaking out about care standards.

Three months ago the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health - which runs the forums - was called in to help mediate.

But Dr Heys does not believe attitudes will change.

He added: "We just don't seem to be getting anywhere.

"It is not their intention to be positive about the Forum."

A spokeswoman for Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust said they could not comment about Dr Heys's decision to quit.

She said: "It would be inappropriate for the Trust to comment.

"But our lawyers will be looking at what has been printed."

A spokesman for the Commission said: "It is disappointing when any Forum member decides to resign.

"However the remaining five PPI Forum members in Calderdale and Huddersfield, with the support of CPPIH, are successfully working with the local NHS Trust to ensure the needs of patients and the public are reflected in all health service decisions.

"In addition, the Forum will be working to recruit additional members to help them better address local health concerns."