Farron Visits Mental Health Ward

During a visit to the Kentmere mental health ward, South Lakes MP Tim Farron urged the NHS Trust not to close the ward. Tim warned that closing the ward will lead to significant extra police costs.

Tim visited the ward and met with staff who work there as well as health bosses from the Partnership Trust.

Tim said: "It is clear that the majority of patients at the ward could not be cared for in the community. Instead, at the most difficult time, they would face long journeys across the county.

"For patients that have been sectioned, this means many hours of police time being spent ferrying mental health patients long distances, when they could be out on the beat.

"The staff on the ward do a fantastic job and provide great care. Although the ward does need upgrading, we must not lose this important service."