Over the last few weeks, our Foundations for the Future team have been in the main entrance at CRH to ask for people’s views and experiences of using the space.

The engagement was part of making people aware of the plans for redeveloping the main entrance. More than 60 colleagues, patients and visitors have filled out a survey which will be used as part of the design plans.

People were asked for their views on what was most important to them about the main entrance. This included retail offerings, seating, the environment, accessibility and wayfinding as well as anything else important they felt we may have missed.

Janette Cockcroft, Nurse Lead for Transformation, has been involved in many of the conversations, and said: “It is only next year when we will begin the redesign the main entrance at CRH, so it is important that we have a good understanding of what is important for our patients, visitors and colleagues when it comes to creating a welcoming, friendly, and practical space.

“We heard lots of positive comments about how light and airy the current main entrance is. But we also heard about what could be improved which we will be taking into the design work, including about seating areas and finding your way around. Thank you so much to everyone who came to speak to us.”

Patient experience information about access to the pharmacy has also been used to identify key themes and will be used to shape the designs. The pharmacy has lots of fantastic feedback about colleagues and the service, but the current location is not ideal for our patients, families and carers.

We are looking at all the feedback people gave us, and will share more information about how it has been used in our plans soon.

The redesign of the main entrance at CRH is due to start in 2026 and is part of the Foundations for our Future programme, which is our long-term plan to transform our hospital and community services in Calderdale and Huddersfield.