Video: Hospital campaign stages public rally

The Save Our Local Hospital Services (SOLHS) demonstration on Saturday attracted hundreds of supporters armed with placards.

The group is opposed to the downgrading of A&E and the removal of any services from Dewsbury hospital.

Organiser Paul Wheelhouse said around 300 people had taken part.

“It was a pretty good turnout compared with our march back in October,” he said.

“Our mailing list has swelled massively after the demonstration so that’s really good. Now the campaign is growing even more.”

Speakers included GPs Jackie Grunsell and Hanume Thimmegowda, and Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood.

The group has criticised Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust plans to turn Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield into the area’s main site for emergency and complex care.

The Trust says the changes would improve recovery and waiting times, and make sure its sites are financially viable in the long term.

But Mr Wheelhouse said: “People are saying they do not want these service changes to happen. They understand they are detrimental to the people of Dewsbury and the area the hospital serves.”

SOLHS is holding a public meeting at Dewsbury Town Hall on Monday, 7pm.