MP - Demographic changes show that health, care and community services must change

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has pointed to figures released today show that health, care and community services must change within our county.

Changes in the Older Care Home Population at Local Authority Level between 2001 and 2011 were released today by the Office for National Statistics.

The figures show that in South Lakeland there has been a 16.6% increase in the population over 65 since 2001, and a 22.9% increase in those over 85. Conversely figures show that the number of people living in a care home has fallen.

Tim has used these figures to say that health and care services must change to meet the demographic challenges that Cumbria faces. He argues that services must be more localised and more 'people focused'.

Tim said: "These figures are very welcome, people living longer, in the communities they live in and close to friends and family. This really is good news.

"These figures do show the demographical challenge that a county like ours faces and show how we must start changing our public services and bringing them closer to residents and into their communities.

"An example on how patient care can be changed is chemotherapy. This is a service we helped secure for Westmorland General but what I'd like to see is the first few sessions at the hospital, followed by further treatments conducted at a local GP practice or even at home, if appropriate. We need to start thinking creatively like this for healthcare solutions."