A High Court judge has granted a judicial review for campaigners opposing the closure of Huddersfield’s accident and emergency department.

Proposals to consolidate Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust’s A&E services have faced huge public protests in west Yorkshire, and campaigners today won the right to formally challenge the decision.

The proposal to close the A&E department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and consolidate the service in Halifax has already been referred to health and social care secretary Jeremy Hunt by Calderdale and Kirklees Council.

The trust plans to demolish Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and build a 64 bed elective care hospital in its place. The proposals would make Huddersfield one of the largest towns in the UK without an A&E department.

Trust chair Andrew Haigh said: “We note the judge’s findings today. We will continue to work with our healthcare partners, local communities, scrutiny and campaign groups. We believe that the proposed reconfiguration of hospital services is the best way to secure safe and sustainable services into the future.”

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