Residents, patients, staff and the wider community are being invited to have their say on the future of healthcare in the region as a consultation on plans for a new state-of-the-art Airedale Hospital has now opened.
The project forms part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme, with Airedale identified as a priority scheme due to the condition of its current buildings.
The draft plans outline a modern hospital designed around patients, staff and visitors, with a strong focus on improving care, accessibility and overall experience. The new facility would include single en-suite rooms for all patients, helping to enhance privacy, dignity and infection control, alongside larger and more flexible clinical areas capable of meeting future healthcare needs. There would also be improved outpatient facilities, including a dedicated building to make appointments easier to access and to reduce congestion within the main hospital.
The new hospital would be built on the existing Airedale site, allowing services to continue operating while construction takes place.
Local people are now being encouraged to review the first draft designs and share their feedback before the consultation closes on 24 July 2026. The Trust has emphasised that community feedback will play a central role in shaping the final plans, building on engagement already carried out with patients, staff and stakeholders.
Residents can take part in the consultation online here, while further information about the proposals is available on the Airedale NHS Foundation Trust website.
As part of the consultation, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust will also be hosting a series of community roadshows across the area, giving people the opportunity to speak directly with staff, view the plans in more detail and ask questions about the proposals.
Public sessions will take place on Tuesday 16 June from 9am to 1pm at Settle Market in Market Place, Settle; on Thursday 25 June from 5:30pm to 8pm at Silsden Town Hall on Kirkgate; on Saturday 27 June from 10am to 2pm at Colne Market Hall in Hartley Square; on Friday 10 July from 10am to 2pm at Keighley Market on Low Street; on Saturday 11 July from 10am to 5pm at the Addingham Gala at the Scout and football pavilion on Stockinger Lane; on Monday 13 July from 10am to 2pm on Bridge Street in Silsden; on Friday 17 July from 10am to 2pm at Ilkley Town Market on The Grove; and on Monday 20 July from 9am to 3pm at Morrisons on Broughton Road in Skipton.
Further dates and venues are expected to be announced.
Skipton MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP, said, "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of healthcare in our area. I strongly encourage residents, patients and NHS staff to look at the plans and share their views. Your feedback will help ensure the new Airedale Hospital delivers the high-quality care, accessibility and facilities that our communities need both now and in the future.”
