Patients and NHS staff in North Kirklees and Wakefield are feeling the pressure of hospital cuts and changes that are about to be replicated in Kirklees and Calderdale, if NHS Commissioners have their way.

This is against the wishes of both Calderdale and Kirklees Councils, who have both unanimously passed motions rejecting the plans, and of scores of thousands of members of the public, who have joined various “2 Towns 1 Fight – keep both A&Es open” campaign groups.

This report looks at some the of the effects already apparent in North Kirklees and Wakefield, on patients, their families and friends, and NHS staff. Continue reading →