MP calls for rethink on X-ray proposals

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called for a rethink on proposals that would leave Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital without an x-ray service overnight.

Concerned members of staff have contacted Tim about the plans which would mean patients needing x-rays between midnight and 8am having to be seen at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary or Furness General Hospital. One member of staff, who wishes to remain anonymous, called the plans, "another nail in the coffin for WGH".

Speaking this morning, Tim said: "This flies in the face of what we have been told up to now - that there would be a fully functioning minor injuries unit at the Westmorland General open 24 hours a day. A minor injuries unit which can't even tell if you have broken a bone or just sprained something is laughable.

"Local health bosses need to be very careful before appearing to close the minor injuries unit by the back door - the local community will not accept that without a fight."