BATLEY and Spen MP Jo Cox (pictured) has asked Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to reverse the downgrade of Dewsbury & District Hospital's accident and emergency department if the new system does not work.

The downgrading plans from the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust have been brought forward by 12 months after it was criticised for its poor staffing and hygiene levels by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Its services will be centralised at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

Ms Cox said: "There is great concern and nervousness about the downgrade at this time and the confidence that this will work is low.

"If this does not work I want the Health Secretary to pledge to step in and order the downgrade of our hospital to be reversed."

Ms Cox has written to Mr Hunt to meet to discuss the proposals.