BOSSES at Airedale Hospital say the initial public response to its new state-of-the-art £6.3 million Emergency Department has been fantastic.

Dr Meg Crossley, consultant in emergency medicine, said: "We have had great feedback from both patients and staff."

Work began last autumn on the new building, and during construction – by Willmott Dixon – Accident & Emergency was based in temporary accommodation.

Invited guests were given a sneak preview of the latest provision at the Steeton hospital prior to it becoming operational.

An official opening ceremony will take place next year.

Ronald Drake, deputy chairman of the Airedale NHS Foundation Trust's council of governors, said: "We always believe that patients should come first, that is the Airedale focus.

"Thanks go to our patients for their forbearance during the period when we've had the Emergency Department at its temporary location.

"That's a lot to expect of patients when their numbers are rising all the time, especially in A&E.

"I'd also like to thank our staff, we couldn't have done this without them.

"This new Emergency Department is the product of their efforts and their contribution to its design specifications. It is an incredible facility and we can look forward to a great future here."

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins, who represents Steeton, also praised the scheme.

"It is wonderful to have such a world class A&E department on our doorstep to care for the needs of local residents for a generation to come," he said.

"I am proud that the Conservative-led Government has followed through on its commitment to deliver this facility and, despite the difficult financial circumstances in which we are operating, has found the cash to fund it.

"I have the highest regard for everyone at Airedale and I am thrilled that Accident & Emergency staff are now able to operate in the best possible working environment."

Provision in the unit includes a specialist Butterfly Room to help vulnerable patients suffering from dementia, and there are distraction walls in the children's assessment and treatment areas.

There is also an interactive floor in the children's waiting room.

And new equipment, including cardiac monitors, will improve care for the thousands who use Accident & Emergency every year.