‘A great day for Huddersfield’ as a new A&E department finally opens

Huddersfield’s new accident and emergency department has opened to the public.

The new unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary opened at midnight on Wednesday, May 22, following lengthy delays caused by the discovery of faults in the water pipes.

The new A&E has replaced the former department, which dates back to the 1960s. It is in a new location on South Drive and accessed from Acre Street, with car and ambulance parking. The facility was at risk of being closed and downgraded by the Trust, but was saved following HRI’s Hands off campaign.

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The new A&E is almost twice the size of the former department and has much improved facilities including:

• a larger resuscitation area with four private spaces

• a waiting area dedicated to children

• treatment rooms with sliding glass doors to enhance privacy and dignity

• two state-of-the-art X-ray rooms

• a sensitively located death suite for families.

The new A&E is connected by a corridor to services in the main hospital, including CT and MRI scans, operating theaters and ward areas.

Dr Mark Davies, consultant in emergency medicine and clinical lead for A&E development, said: “It was an honor to welcome the first patients to our new full accident and emergency department last night. This is a great day for the people of Huddersfield.

“The transition of our Accident and Emergency services from one side of the hospital to the other went very smoothly, thanks to the hard work and detailed planning of our colleagues and partners.

“Feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive and I am delighted that we have an A&E that our patients and colleagues can be proud of.

“I ask that the public use it wisely and help us prioritize those who need it most.” The new A&E recently won the title of Best New Build and was also the overall winner at the Huddersfield Civic Society Design Awards 2024.

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