AN MP has spoken out in dismay after the health secretary refused to visit the area to learn more about its health service. 

Copeland MP Jamie Reed issued a written invitation to health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, to visit west Cumbria to understand more about the issues its health service faces. 

Mr Hunt declined the invitation but instead agreed to meet the MP in London to discuss the issues. 

Mr Reed said: 

“Here in West Cumbria, from Millom to Maryport, NHS staff, patients, families and campaigners are working together to feed into the ongoing Success Regime, to address the challenges facing the NHS locally, and to shape a system that will work for our unique part of the world. 

"I want everyone who cares about these issues to contact me with the issues they want to be put before the health secretary.

“There has been a long standing refusal from the government to listen to local concerns but the government must now listen to the voice of West Cumbrian communities, meet with campaigners, and provide us with the support and resources that we need to realise the bright future that we are all working to build”.