PLANS for the takeover of West Cumberland Hospital are now in doubt. 

The news was revealed to The Whitehaven News this week by new hospitals' chief Stephen Eames. 

It is understood that Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's plans to take over West Cumberland Hospital and the Cumberland Infirmary may NOT now take place. 

He told The News he "didn't know'' if there would be a formal acquisition by Northumbria but there would continue to be “an ongoing relationship” with them. 

“The buddying support being provided by Northumbria is invaluable and will be maintained as we continue to consider what sort of integrated, partnership working will deliver the best outcomes for patients locally.’’ 

Speaking on Tuesday the new West Cumberland Hospital boss says it has a “vibrant, long-term’’ future. 

Mr Eames said his message was that the hospital had a “very healthy future’’ with a “continuance’’ of A&E, maternity and children’s services. Speaking in his first press interview to The Whitehaven News, the new chief executive of the North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust said he also wanted to meet health campaigners as he “understood their concerns’’ stating “I want to hear what they have to say.’’ 

At Tuesday’s Trust Board meeting, Mr Eames said there was also need to “engage and enthuse staff’’ who were “working really hard’’ and to “create a positive spirit’’ for them. 

Mr Eames said a “clear, clinical strategy’’ would be unveiled at the end of March which would then form the basis for a 12-week public consultation on the future of West Cumberland Hospital services. 

He said the Success Regime was then required to deliver a plan for the future organisation and management of acute services by this September. 

“The Success Regime is fully committed to ensuring that hospital-based health care and local health services are retained and developed where they are needed,’’ Mr Eames said.

Following news of a £60m overspend this year at the Trust, Mr Eames added: “We still need to reduce excessive agency staff costs, deliver great efficiency and address the underlying structural deficit. 

“Workforce, buildings, IT and purchasing are all areas for increased efficiency and productivity.’’