Plans for a new hospital in Yorkshire could push up local waiting lists because it will cut acute beds in the area by a quarter, according to Unison.

The public sector union believes that the hospital in Wakefield, which is being funded through the private finance initiative, does not give value for money and will lead to job losses and fewer local services.

Forum Response: Unison

Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, told ePolitix.com: "I'm Yorkshire born and bred and it makes me sick to see that local residents will suffer if these plans go ahead. They will have a major impact on the elderly, the sick and those with chronic illnesses.

"Acute hospitals will be downsized in return for new investment and the result will be fewer services, fewer beds, fewer nurses, longer waiting lists and higher costs. Where's the sense in that?"