Desmond highlights need to retain hospital services – Cumbria MP

A DEBATE on local health services will be heard in parliament as the last piece of business prior to Christmas.

Jamie Reed, Copeland MP, has secured a discussion in the House of Commons on access to health services in west Cumbria.

The Labour politician said the recent flooding proves the case for retaining services at the West Cumberland Hospital rather than moving them to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, which needed to run on a back-up generator and cancelled appointments at the height of the recent flooding.

The conditions caused by Storm Desmond caused main roads to become impassable, meaning getting to Carlisle was almost impossible for many Copeland patients.

Mr Reed said: “Longstanding concerns at West Cumberland Hospital are well known, but the events of the last week have shown the sheer folly of moving services from the West Cumberland Hospital to Carlisle.

“When roads become impassable; when emergency services can’t get through and when ambulances are needed – it would be patients that suffer.

“A comprehensive accident and emergency department, consultant-led maternity and paediatric services must remain at West Cumberland Hospital.

“Rain in the Lake District shouldn’t become a health emergency due to lack of access to services.”

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