WAITING lists at St Luke's Hospital, Crosland Moor, should be cut after a new unit opened at the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.

The neurophysiology department tests patients for problems linked with the brain and nervous system.

Tests which the department carries out include nerve conduction studies and electromyography, which are used in diagnosing nerve and muscle disorders.

Calderdale patients previously had to travel to the neurophysiology department at St Luke's for their tests.

But they now have their own in Halifax, led by consultant physician Shwe Tun.

The department opens four days a week and provides modern, specialised equipment.

Dr Tun said: "Initially the department will be concentrating on reducing waiting lists. It is hoped that within six to 12 months the lists will have been reduced dramatically at both sites."