MP calls on residents to have final say on plans to reduce out-of-hours GP service in Kendal

On the eve of a controversial decision on whether to cut the out-of-hours GP service at Westmorland General Hospital, local MP Tim Farron is encouraging residents to sign a petition opposing the plans.

Cumbria Health On Call are consulting on removing the out-of-hours service from Westmorland General Hospital during the hours of 2am-8am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Instead, the out-of-hours doctors will be based at the Furness General Hospital in Barrow and Penrith & Eden Community Hospital.

This will mean significantly increased travel times for doctors to treat patients in the South Lakes.

The organisation say they will make a final decision on the proposals next week.

Tim said: “Time is running out for people to have their say on these awful plans.

“It is completely unacceptable to put vulnerable people, including those receiving palliative care, families caring for loved ones with dementia and patients with learning difficulties, in a position where they will have to wait much longer to receive care – especially those in our most rural areas.

“When I spoke to health bosses recently, I made it crystal clear that this move will have appalling consequences for local people and I’m pleading once again with them not to go through with this decision.

“Please join our fight by signing the petition and sharing it with your friends and family.”

Tim’s petition can be signed here.