A PLANNING application has now been submitted to build a new £6 million acute assessment unit at Airedale Hospital.

Bradford Council planning officers are considering the proposals for the so-called AAU, which if approved will be located alongside the hospital's emergency department.

The aim of the planned facility is to cut waiting and treatment times for some patients and reduce unnecessary admissions.

Initial assessments would be carried out by medical or surgical teams. Patients could then be treated and discharged or admitted to a specialist ward.

The AAU would occupy the first floor of a new, purpose-built two-storey building.

It would include an ambulatory care unit for people who don’t need formal admission but require urgent investigation and assessment.

There would also be eight bays, each with five beds, eight single bedrooms, a family room, a general waiting area and reception.

It is intended to construct the unit on land that is now a grassed area and part of a car park, to the west of the emergency department.

An architects' design and access statement accompanying the application explains that the development would not block views across the Aire Valley from the main road running past the hospital.

It says the AAU will operate 24 hours a day, adding: "The main reception will be located immediately adjacent to the main entrance of the AAU and will be welcoming and non-institutional with seating and visitor's toilets.

"A 'Quiet Room' will be provided next to reception for patient dignity should sensitive discussions be required.

"Waiting areas will be designed to balance safety with a pleasant environment.

"The design of the AAU needs to support patients and relatives in times of crisis, providing an environment which respects the needs of all patients in terms of of privacy and dignity."