The Intensive Care Unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary has had its first upgrade in 20 years.

The unit was relocated to Ward 10 while an eight-week refurbishment programme was carried out.

It has now moved back to Block 1 and Pulse radio breakfast show presenters Danny Mylo and Rosie Madison cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

The work involved new flooring throughout, the replacement of fire doors and an all-round general upgrade.

The kitchens and sluice areas have been renovated and new curtain rails added to maximise space in the patient care areas and improve patient privacy and dignity.

Mylo and Rosie are known to a member of the ICU team and were invited to open the new facilities.

Rosie said: “We feel very honoured to have been invited to attend. We were both brought up in this area and we know everyone has been through some recent tough times and we’re here to say thank you too.”

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust’s deputy CEO, Rob Aitchison, said: “We are incredibly proud of our colleagues who have worked tirelessly over the past eight weeks to enable these much-needed improvements to happen.

“The completion of these works means that our patients continue to receive the very best of care.”

Matron Sue Thompson added: “Throughout it all, everyone has been incredible. The ICU staff have worked so hard and been flexible, especially coming in on their days off to support the move to Ward 10 and to help with restocking and the move back the day we returned.

“The unit is lighter and brighter and, overall, a better environment to work in. Covid has been a difficult time for everyone so it’s nice to see everyone working together and back with a smile on their face.

“Ward 10 have been amazing. We all helped each other out when we needed extra support, which is what it’s all about.

“We also have to give a big shout-out to the estates and cleaning services colleagues as, without their hard work, we wouldn’t be back in our lovely unit.”

The ICU team presented Ward 10 colleagues with a hamper as a thank you for all their support.