Hundreds of cancelled ops show need for NHS investment - Farron

Figures released today show that almost 500 operations at local hospitals have been cancelled at the last minute over the past year. This is yet more evidence of the need for more funding, according to Tim Farron, who has set out a plan to bring an extra £40million to Cumbria's NHS.

In the last year, 491 operations have been cancelled on the day of arrival at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, the Westmorland General Hospital and the Furness General. All of these have been cancelled for non-clinical reasons, such as a lack of beds or a lack of a surgeon.

Tim said: "These figures show an NHS that is being pushed to breaking point by the Conservatives' cuts. Local people needing operations face last-minute cancellations because our hospitals are struggling to cope.

"Only the Lib Dems are prepared to be honest with the public about the need for us all to chip in a little more to secure the future of our health services. A penny on income tax would mean an extra £40million for Cumbria's NHS."