Public urged to have their say on changes

More than 240,000 questionnaires have been posted to homes in our area and Wakefield district since March 4, but so far little more than 370 have been returned.

The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust wants to downgrade Dewsbury and District Hospital’s A&E department and move some maternity and children’s care to Wakefield.

It is asking people for their views until the end of May.

Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dews East) said it was ‘extremely important’ to get involved.

“I don’t want people to wake up after the consultation and find out this has bee imposed without them having their say,” he said.

Yesterday he joined Dewsbury Labour Party colleagues to hand out flyers about the plans and consultation.

And more than 400 people sent letters of objection via the party’s Save Dewsbury Hospital website within six hours of a template going live.

Meanwhile, a campaign group was forced to postpone its rally in Dewsbury last Saturday because of the snow.

Save Our Local Hospital Services will now hold the public rally outside Dewsbury Town Hall on Saturday April 20 at noon.

Its next committee meeting is at Dewsbury Women’s Health Centre, 7 Wellington Street, on Tuesday April 9. Contact 0750 569 2223.