Farron – changes to local care services opens door for new Urgent Care Centre for the South Lakes

Local MP Tim Farron says the door may be open for a new Urgent Care Centre at Westmorland General Hospital following changes to the management for the hospital's Primary Care Assessment Service (PCAS).

From December 1, PCAS will be managed operationally by the Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust rather than by Cumbria Partnership Trust.

This change is taking place ahead of the winter period, so that emergency and urgent care services across the Bay are managed by the same Trust, which would allow health bosses to change the balance of where patients get treated for particular conditions.

Tim said: "This is welcome news ahead of the NHS's most challenging time of year.

"It also presents us with a golden opportunity to resubmit our bid to bring an Urgent Care Centre to Westmorland General Hospital.

"This would not only provide urgent care closer to home for South Lakes residents, but it would also help to relieve pressure on the A&E units at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Furness General Hospital and ensure that ambulances are not stuck waiting there in long queues."