AN MP has warned government ministers that residents in Cumbria will be outraged if maternity services are not protected.
Copeland MP Jamie Reed has once again invited health secretary Jeremy Hunt to visit his constituency to understand more about how proposals to withdraw 24-hour consultant-led maternity services at West Cumberland Hospital might effect residents.
Mr Reed planned to share his comments with the House of Commons Chamber as part of an Opposition Day Debate on NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plans, but was not called by the Speaker on this occasion.
<strong> MP says government minister's visit is an "insult" </strong>
Instead, he has used this opportunity to invite Mr Hunt to Copeland next week as he chairs a public meeting with the Success Regime.
Mr Reed said: “In a few weeks’ time the Success Regime will publish its consultation document with regard to the health service in north, west and east Cumbria.
<strong> Angry midwives issue warning over proposed changes to maternity services </strong>
The suggestion is that this consultation will seek to remove consultant led maternity services from the West Cumberland hospital in Whitehaven and centralize this service 42 miles away in Carlisle at the end of one of the worst roads in the country.
"There will be outrage in Cumbria. Fury. No wonder Ministers refuse to visit”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here