Farron Secures Westminster Debate On Mental Health Ward Closure

In a special debate in the Commons on Monday, South Lakes MP Tim Farron will call on health bosses to scrap plans to close Kendal's mental health ward. Tim has blasted the plans which he says would hit the least well-off and most vulnerable.

A recent government report showed that the closure, requiring lengthy trips to Barrow, Whitehaven and Carlisle instead, would leave South Lakeland with among the worst access to mental health services in the country.

Following an outcry from local residents, health bosses last week announced that they would look again at the decision. A final decision is expected later in the summer. Over 5000 local residents have already backed Tim's campaign to save the ward.

Tim will demand the government give a ministerial instruction to the Cumbria Partnership Trust to drop the closure plans.

Tim said: "Thanks to all those involved in the campaign, we have managed to win a temporary reprieve for the Kentmere Ward. However, this fight is not yet over - I am determined to keep up the pressure. I will call on the minister to join me in demanding that health bosses scrap these plans.

"It is utterly wrong that vulnerable mental health patients will be shipped off to Barrow, Whitehaven and Carlisle rather than being treated here in Kendal. For many less well-off residents, a round-trip of many hours on the bus will put family and loved ones beyond easy reach.

"It is the patients who will be harmed as they are cut off from their families and friends and miss out on all-important visits. Instead of the reassurance of familiar faces and surroundings, they would face this dark time alone and in an unknown place. Removing these services from South Lakeland would let vulnerable people down."

To sign the petition, click here: www.timfarron.co.uk/kentmereward