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

A spokesman for the hospital at Steeton, near Keighley, 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 said extra security cameras have been placed in the entrance to the 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 old endoscopy unit for ten to 12 months.

Earlier this autumn, Airedale managers approved an investment of £6.3 million to develop a new A&E department.