MP urges mental health rethink

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron is calling for a major rethink in local mental health services, arguing that they should be run along the same boundaries as the newly-formed Morecambe Bay CCG.

Recent changes to the way health services are run will see health services in South Lakeland commissioned by a newly formed Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group, covering South Lakeland and North Lancashire.

Tim has written to the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to call for mental health services to be provided locally, along the same boundaries as the new Morecambe Bay CCG. At present, mental health services are provided by the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which operates across Cumbria.

Tim said: "Mental health services in our area, especially for young people, are far short of what we need. This move would not solve all the problems that are faced, but it could help to make local services better. It could help to improve integration between physical care and mental health care, and enhance links with the rest of the Morecambe Bay area. I am determined that we do everything possible to look at ways of improving mental health care in our area."