MP asks PCT Chief to investigate concerns over Langdale Unit

Local MP Tim Farron has today called on the Chief Executive of the NHS Primary Care Trust to formally investigate serious concerns that the Langdale Unit at Westmorland General Hospital is congested, with many patients on the ward having dementia and who therefore need specialist care. Tim Farron was one of the MPs leading a recent national parliamentary inquiry into the care of people with dementia.

The Alzheimer's Society estimates that there are 575,000 people in England with dementia but only 220,000 of these are known to their GPs - leaving over 355,000 without access to drugs, treatment or other specialist assistance. In South Lakeland that means 750 have dementia and need high quality expert support.

Tim said: "The hospital desperately needs more capacity at the moment so that local people get the care and support they deserve. The nurses and other staff work wonders and everyone I talk to praises them to the hilt, but we need to help them. Currently there are two mothballed wards on the same floor as the Langdale Unit at Westmorland General Hospital and at least one could be reopened to allow a specialist ward to care for people with medical complaints who also have dementia."