PEOPLE across Airedale are being urged to have their say on controversial changes to stroke services before consultation closes next month.

Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says it wants to hear from as many people as possible affected by the moves.

As part of the reorganisation, a single hyper acute stroke unit (HASU) for the whole district has been created at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Two HASU emergency beds formerly at Airedale Hospital have been transferred, leaving a stroke care and rehabilitation unit at the Steeton site.

The CCG says that once patients have been stabilised by the team at Bradford, usually within 48 to 72 hours, those from this area are transferred to Airedale for their ongoing care.

Dr Phil Pue, the CCG's chief clinical officer, said: "We recognise that our plans will have a direct impact on patients who will need to travel a further distance to receive their HASU care and, potentially, on those already receiving or likely to receive care at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

"We we want to hear from as many people as possible who will be affected by this change."

Feedback can be provided online at airedalewharfedalecravenccg.nhs.uk, by e-mailing engage@awcccg.nhs.uk, calling 01274 237324 or writing to Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)-Stroke, Freepost RTER-LYHC-EJET, Douglas Mill, Bowling Old Lane, Bradford BD5 7JR.

Consultation closes on September 9.