HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt visited Airedale Hospital on Tuesday.

He was given a tour of the revamped maternity unit and the newly-built Emergency Department.

Mr Hunt – on his second visit to the Steeton site – also met staff and management from the foundation trust, including chairman Professor Michael Luger, chief executive Bridget Fletcher and director of operations Stacey Hunter.

Backed by £748,000 of Government funding, the midwifery-led maternity unit was officially opened in July 2013 and includes four birthing suites and two pools for water births.

The £6.3 million Emergency Department opened its doors late last year and a campaign helped to raise £100,000 for resources for the department.

Keighley Conservative parliamentary candidate Kris Hopkins, who accompanied Mr Hunt, said: "It was a great pleasure to welcome Jeremy back to Airedale to view the new facilities and, in common with his last visit when he saw how the hospital supports dementia patients and witnessed the Telehealth Hub in action, I know he was deeply impressed.

"Five years ago I described Airedale Hospital as the jewel in Keighley and Ilkley's crown.

“Since then, backed by major investment from the Conservative-led Government, it has gone from strength to strength with the upgraded maternity unit and new A&E department standing as joint testament to what has been achieved.

"The Conservatives have promised to give the NHS the extra £8 billion it needs over the next five years and if re-elected I will again ensure that Airedale gets its proper share of these additional resources."