PROPOSED closures of mental health units in West Yorkshire could mean more patients being treated in Huddersfield.

The South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust is planning a massive overhaul of services and considering closing units at hospitals in Dewsbury and Halifax.

Closing the Priestley Unit at Dewsbury District Hospital and The Dales at the Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax, would mean some patients being treated at home and others having to transfer to St Luke's Hospital, Crosland Moor.

A spokeswoman for the mental health trust confirmed if the plans got the go ahead, extensive work would have to be done to bring St Luke's up to scratch.

Clr Dennis Hullock, Kirklees Council Cabinet member for health and social services, said he was concerned about the closure in Dewsbury and the extra strain which could be put on St Luke's.

He said: "I am worried about the fact the Priestley Unit could go because it has done so much for the community.

"But we are at a very early stage and it is too soon to say this is definitely going to happen either way.

"My main concern is that people are getting the proper services. This is not a decision that should be made because it will be more cost effective.

"We are discussing people's welfare, so we have to consider what is best for them."

Clr Hullock said he believed St Luke's had been chosen as the possible option for the centre because there was room to develop.

He said: "That can be the only reason, because the Priestley Unit is very highly regarded and I cannot see why they would just shut it.

"I also think they are struggling for room at The Dales."

Clr Hullock said it could take years before a final decision is made after the consultation and planning applications to extend St Luke's have been considered.

A spokeswoman for the Mental Health Trust said: "Last week we held a series of workshops for staff, carers and partner organisations to develop some options for the future.

"We will need to make sure any service changes benefit service users and that they address the difficulties we have with poor quality or unsuitable buildings.

"Some of the buildings we work from are small and do not offer the flexibility to develop new services. These include The Dales and the Priestley Unit."