Protesters made some noise outside the John Smith's Stadium as hospital chiefs faced heckling and booking within.

The small crowd outside the A&E consultation event were loud, good humoured and in determined mood as they chanted and chatted in the early evening sunshine.

Former Methodist minister Mike Smith, 76, from Marsden, was waving a placard around outside the John Smith's Stadium at last night's A&E consultation event and was boiling with anger at local health bosses.

Two towns two hospitals: Rev Mike Smith joins in the fight.
Two towns two hospitals: Rev Mike Smith joins in the fight.


"I'm not a regular protester, or a party political man but what is being done is absolutely disgusting and it smells to high heaven.

"6pm is an awkward time to have a meeting and then someone buys up tickets and hands them back, it stinks."

Mr Smith, who retains a leadership position within the church, said his mood would lift if health bosses stepped aside.

Last post played outside A&E public meeting by Nick Battye

Video Loading


"I would be much happier if the CCG either resigned or were sacked. I have written to the Prime Minister and am awaiting a reply."

Campaigner Nat Ratcliffe, an organiser of the campaign to keep Huddersfield's A&E, said the mood of most people was to "carry on fighting".

"There are odd people that think it's a done deal but Hands off HRI don't think it's a done deal. Our position is that we carry on fighting. This is not the end of the road as the end of consultation is June 21."

CCG public meeting at John Smiths Stadium. Two town two hospitals campaigners left to right, Bridget Matthews, John Collinson, Chrissie Parker and Jackie Brooke.


Valerie Gilbert of Honley admitted to fearing that health bosses would not budge.

"I fear it is a done deal but we are not going quietly."

Greenhead student Oscar Ward refused entry to A&E meeting

Video Loading


Her husband Michael said health chiefs were drip feeding information about their plans which ought to have been in the open months ago.

Stanley Dronsfield, 73, of Slaithwaite was in fighting mood, saying: "You have to fight, don't you? We have to try to halt it."

People standing outside the stadium kept up the very loud chanting as the meeting continued inside.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:



They shouted "CCG hear us say, HRI is here to stay" as one man played a trumpet and others sold wrist bands, t shirts and mugs.

The crowd jeered and booed as they received information from inside the meeting that the planned health shake up was aimed at improving and investing in healthcare.