DEMOLITION work on Airedale Hospital’s old accident and emergency department is due to start in December.

A spokesman for the hospital said the demolition would take place over several days or weeks. Builders have been stripping out the fixtures and fittings before it is knocked down.

The spokesman confirmed extra security cameras had been placed in the entrance to the hospital’s temporary A&E facility so patients can be observed as soon as they enter.

“The layout of the temporary A&E means that not all of the waiting area can be seen from reception. The new A&E will be much more open-plan to allow for better observation,” she added. The temporary A&E is being accommodated within the hospital’s old endoscopy unit for a period of 10 to 12 months. Earlier this autumn, Airedale managers approved an investment of £6.3 million to develop a new A&E department. They have said it will provide better privacy and dignity for vulnerable, older patients and will feature separate adult and children’s areas.