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A Yorkshire Tory MP has provoked fury by backing plans to close the accident and emergency unit which serves his constituents.
And Craig Whittaker went even further by calling for closure of the next-nearest A&E unit in a neighbouring district.
As reported in yesterday's Star, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust wants to close the A&E unit at Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax and centralise emergency services at Huddersfield Royal Hospital in a neighbouring district.
But another option being considered - option four - is the closure of both A&E units, meaning patients would have to be taken to Leeds - Mr Whittaker's preference.
Many of the Calder Valley MP's own constituents would face that 30-mile journey for emergency treatment.
"Personally I would rather see us go for option four," he said, adding scathingly: "I spent a night in Calderdale A&E and the reality is 50 per cent of people don't need to be there."
His comments brought a storm of protests on social websites.
Andy Wilkinson of Hands off Calderdale NHS said: "We're gobsmacked."
Sarah Baldry wrote: "Craig Whittaker does not represent the people of Calderdale. He does what he wants. No empathy. No compassion. Where would emergencies be forced to go? Surely this would mean more deaths?"
And Jan Radovic wrote: "Is he mentally deranged? Am I wrong in thinking an MP is meant to represent the views and well-being of his/her constituents?"
The two hospitals together serve a population of 450,000 and the proposals would also transfer neonatal intensive care, maternity care and gynaecology services from Halifax to Huddersfield.
Health service campaigners in Calderdale and Huddersfield have launched a joint campaign aiming to save both A&E units.
A public meeting has been organised by Band Together for the NHS, Halifax Labour MP Linda Riordan and Josh Fenton-Glynn, Labour parliamentary candidate for Calder Valley, who will challenge Mr Whittaker at next year's general election.
It takes place at Halifax Leisure Centre on March 29 at 12.30pm.
