Over 1500 people sign Tim's petition to protect our hospital in just 24 hours!

Over 1500 local residents have signed Tim's petition in the first 24 hours.

Tim launched the petition yesterday after news came to light that hospital bosses were looking at 'gifting' the Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) to a social enterprise. Two whistle-blowers said that they believe: "Social enterprise is a euphemism for private companies like Circle who already run one NHS hospital in Hinchingbrooke [in Cambridge]. This is not a recipe for collaboration and integration or development of services and has not been successful in Hinchingbrooke." As of 9am this morning 1525 people have signed Tim's petition to protect our much loved local hospital.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust with Better Care Together is currently running an 'engagement' exercise to look at ways of restructuring health services in South Cumbria and North Lancashire.

The news that there is an option that Westmorland General could be parcelled off is something Tim said he will 'totally and utterly oppose'. Tim has urged residents to stand up and say 'hands off our hospital' by signing the petition online: http://timfarron.co.uk/en/petition/hands-off-our-hospital

Tim said: "The fact that over 1500 local people have joined the campaign in just a day is extremely impressive and shows the strength of feeling for our campaign. We will not accept our hospital being sold or downgraded. We have a real chance to make our voice heard so I hope as many people as possible join our campaign and sign the petition."