The new Mayor of Kirklees Cllr. Cahal Burke and fellow Lindley councillor Andrew Smith toured the new A&E at HRI – now just over four months away from opening.

And they hailed it "fantastic and fascinating” and were impressed with all the energy and enthusiasm of everyone involved which has achieved so much. They also welcomed all the extra value to the community - as well as the healthcare asset – such as the training and apprenticeships offered on site for local youngsters entering the workforce and the emphasis on all local firms and suppliers.

A&E consultant Mark Davies and Director of Transformation Anna Basford, together with construction partner Eddie Parker from Vinci, accompanied them along with with Emma Kovaleski from our CHFT Charity which the Mayor has adopted for his year in office, alongside the Royal Air Force Association.

Cllr. Burke, said: “I am really impressed with what has been completed so far and all the energy and enthusiasm of everyone involved which is creating so much for the local community. There is so much in all the detail behind it all. You have done a fantastic job”

Cllr. Smith said the emphasis on keeping things focussed on all local opportunities was “the right thing to do.”

Mark, said: “ It was our pleasure to be able to demonstrate all the benefits to patients, their relatives and our staff.”

As part of the visit the Mayor saw some of the ways we'll help distract our younger patients in A&E, including images of the sky on the ceiling.