WEST Cumberland Hospital is in crisis – A&E and maternity are under threat.
This surely would put lives at risk.
Staff are concerned, but frightened to speak out. Consultants have threatened to resign.
There is a quiet confidence from some retired doctors that a specialist team – now in charge of sorting out problems – could be the answer.
It is known as the ‘Success Regime’. But is it listening? And who exactly is it talking to?
The Whitehaven News has launched a campaign – Fight For Our Hospital.
We want answers for our community before the major decisions are made. We want the people who matter and have the most to lose – the public and the staff – to be included in this crucial debate.
We are told a plan detailing options for services will be ready for consideration in April.
It’s déjà vu. How many times have we been at this point? And where have we got? Not very far it seems.
The Whitehaven News has covered the gradual demise of West Cumberland Hospital’s services for years. And it’s now reached the stage that A&E consultants have threatened to resign this summer if their safety concerns are not addressed.
Experienced doctors who save lives are worried about patient safety – that’s alarming. We understand their fears have not been allayed, despite chiefs insisting they are committed to the hospital’s 24-hour A&E describing it as “non negotiable”.
But they also describe it as a “significant challenge”. Maternity services are under review.
We still don’t know if keeping the service is possible – or if hundreds of mothers-to-be in labour will be expected to travel at least 40 miles to give birth. That is an outrage.
And what about children’s ward? Will this become a day ward with some of our sickest youngsters and their parents forced to travel the same long journey under major stress? It’s under discussion. Over the years chief executives have come and gone.
But the problems remain. How do you provide rural healthcare which is safe and easily accessible to all?
We are not paid to find the answers, but some are. Perhaps the ‘Success Regime’ will be a turning point. We don’t know.
They are making all the right noises.
It’s 10 years since The Whitehaven News staff organised a town centre march which saw 5,000 people show their anger about threatened services.
Various community groups have also banged the drum, organising major campaigning events. We are all still awaiting answers. We want you to join us in this campaign.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
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