New children’s unit in Dewsbury Hospital

The ribbon was cut at the new Children’s Assessment Unit at Dewsbury and District Hospital .

The unit has been running for the last couple of months, and was officially opened on Saturday by Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell

The new ward helps young patients to be seen, treated and return home with their families more quickly.

An eight-bed ward, the unit is located next to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.

The Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust said this allows the children’s services team to work more closely with doctors and nurses in A&E, and will allow them to see children more quickly and make sure they get the right treatment.

It would also mean children don’t need to stay in hospital, they can go home straight from A&E.

Stephen Eames, Chief Executive of The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This unit offers a real improvement for young patients and families in North Kirklees.

“It will help us see and treat sick or injured children quicker meaning more children will be able to go home without needing to stay overnight in hospital.

“For those who need further observation and treatment, the vast majority of them will get the care they need locally in Dewsbury.”