A new, state-of-the-art Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (HRI) is now open to the public.
The new facility opened its doors to patients just after midnight on 22 May. The 24/7, purpose-built A&E will serve the people of Huddersfield and the surrounding area, enabling the provision of high-quality urgent and emergency care for local people.
The new A&E has replaced the former department, which dates back to the 1960s. It is in a brand-new location on South Drive, which is easily accessed from Acre Street, with parking for cars and ambulances.
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 bays
- a dedicated children’s waiting area
- treatment rooms with sliding glass doors to improve privacy and dignity
- two state-of-the-art x-ray rooms
- a sensitively-located bereavement suite for families.
The new A&E is connected by a corridor to services in the main hospital, including CT and MRI scans, operating theatres, and ward areas.
Dr Mark Davies, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Clinical Lead for the A&E development at CHFT, said: “It was an honour to welcome the first patients into our new full-service 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 please use it wisely and help us prioritise those who need it most.”
The building has been designed with inspiration from the local area and with engagement from local people. The new A&E recently won the title for the Best New Build and was also the overall winner at the 2024 Huddersfield Civic Society Design Awards.
The development is part of a £200 million investment to ensure that Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and its partners can provide the best hospital and community healthcare for patients and families for future generations.
A virtual tour of the new facility is available to view on the Trust’s YouTube channel. There is also a children’s video tour, told through the eyes and voice of a child.
Local businesses, community groups and members of the public have come together to celebrate the opening in a short film. Watch “It’s Our A&E” on YouTube.
