Farron: Ward Must Remain Open Until Consultation Completed

The Kentmere Ward at Westmorland General must remain open until after the consultation about the future of mental health services in South Lakeland has taken place, South Lakes MP Tim Farron has said today.

In a u-turn from their original announcement last week, the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is now claiming that the closure of the ward "is temporary and we are reviewing the timescales we set out last week along with our partners".

Tim said: "It is welcome news that health bosses are looking again at this decision, but we need more detail before this fight is over. The Trust still plans to close this ward, and the reality is that it is very unlikely that it will reopen once it is closed.

"I am calling for the ward to remain open at least until after a consultation has taken place. Local residents in the South Lakes who need mental health services rely on this unit, and its closure would mean that access to those services would be affected.

"My thanks go to all who have signed the petition, and helped to put pressure on the Trust to keep the ward open."

To sign the petition to keep mental health services in South Lakeland, go to: www.timfarron.co.uk/kentmereward