West Cumbrian politicians have spoken out following the publication of the health plans.
Copeland MP, Jamie Reed, said: “I urge everyone with a stake in the future of our local Health Services to respond to the public consultation by demanding the retention and improvement of fully functioning, 24 hour consultant-led services at the West Cumberland Hospital.
“I will be putting a line through the document in my response, and writing ‘24hr CLU @ WCH’ and ‘Phase 2 @ WCH’.
“I stand shoulder to shoulder with my community, with local families, campaigners and clinicians; and I support the Save our Services campaign, launched by The Whitehaven News, News and Star and Times & Star.’’
And Workington MP, Sue Hayman, has accused health chiefs of failing to provide vital detail about transport.
She said Success Regime boss Sir Neil Mckay promised this would be properly analysed, but none of the options acknowledge the difficulties many residents, particularly the elderly, with family members in another hospital.
Mrs Hayman said: “It’s very disappointing that they don’t seem to have understood that people are very concerned about travel distances, travel times and the lack of public transport.’’
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