MULTI-MILLION pound plans to shut

dilapidated High Royds Hospital in Menston and replace it with health units across Leeds were given the go-ahead yesterday.

A report from Leeds Health Authority said the £45 million scheme includes new units built close to St James's Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary and seven others across the city, including a new Wharfedale Hospital on the Garnetts Mill site in Otley.

It follows a damning Government report last year, which condemned the cramped and appaling conditions at High Royds, as well as poor security. The report labelled mental health services in Leeds 'a mess'.

The Wharfedale Observer revealed last week that the High Royds Hospital site is due to be put up for sale 'shortly.'

The outline proposals in the report say that it would not be appropriate to provide in-patient surgical services in the new Wharfedale Hospital.

The hospital would offer an expanded range of outpatient services, including ante-natal care and children's services.

The minor injuries unit will also be relocated elsewhere but the new hospital will have a day surgery facility.

The report added: "The aim is to develop a community facility which can integrate hospital services with primary and community health services."

Leeds Community Health Council chief officer Colin Perry said the city-wide improvements were long overdue.

He said: "Patients in Leeds have been waiting a long time for improvements to the mental health service.

"I very much welcome the news that the go-ahead has been given for the redevelopment of these outdated facilities."

l Preserve Menston's character' plea - P 9.

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