THE area's hospitals face drastic funding cuts that could see services close, treatments axed and waiting lists extended under plans that were supposed to be kept under wraps until after the general election.
Morecambe Bay is one of 14 health areas across the country ordered to find ways to save millions of pounds in additional savings during the year ahead as part of a nationwide cap on overspending.
Health bosses in the affected regions reported that they have been told to 'think the unthinkable' and to consider 'difficult decisions' by senior officials within NHS England and NHS Improvement in their attempts to slim down annual spending on healthcare.
It is feared changes in the areas in question could result in the closure of some hospital services, altered criteria for treatments such as IVF, less patient choice and a slow take up of new treatments approved by NICE.
The controversial plans were expected to remain under wraps until after today's election but were instead leaked to the Health Service Journal.
A spokesman for NHS England said any cost saving options put forward would require 'national sign off in due course'.
READ MORE:
Late government payment forced hospitals trust to take out loans
READ MORE: Hospital gripped by winter beds crisis as resilience fund is slashed
REaD MORE: Vital hospital funding could be slashed by millions
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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