THE woman in charge of the area's hospital has urged staff to think carefully before voting in the general election to ensure the best outcome for the nation's 'prized and precious' NHS.

Jackie Daniel, who is in charge of Furness General Hospital's parent trust, is encouraging all staff to read the manifestos published by each party before heading to the polls in June 8.

She has also advised employees to look at the priorities for the health service set out by overarching organisation's such as the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers.

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In a message to the 5,000 strong workforce of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, Mrs Daniel said: "Clearly it is not for me to tell you how to vote.

"However, I hope that you do listen carefully to the manifestos of each party and read the material produced by the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers.

"The NHS is a precious and prized service and the challenges we face are greater than ever before so it is key that our future government supports its onward development."

UHMBT, the parent organisation of Barrow's FGH, has struggled to meet the cost of services provided to people across the area within the budget it receives every year.

The trust, which transformed the quality of its services for patients since 2013, was on track to record an operational deficit for the 2016/17 financial year of £17 million despite a series of schemes to improve efficiency.

A major reconfiguration of health services across the area is also underway in a bid to reduce pressure on expensive acute hospital care.

The NHS has already become a key political battleground for all major parties in the run up to next month's general election.

While observing the rules of purdah - the period leading to an election that restricts communications from public bodies including hospitals and local councils, Mrs Daniel added: "It is impossible to watch the news at the moment without the NHS taking some sort of centre stage.

"It would be inappropriate at this time for me to share my personal views but I do believe it is important that I share with you what some of the national NHS bodies are saying with regards to what they feel the NHS needs from the government following the outcome of the general election."

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