"Shocking early-death figures prove that South Cumbria needs local cancer treatment" says MP

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for the county council and the NHS to meet the challenge of local healthcare, after Public Health England described Cumbria as one of the "worst" places in the country for health outcomes.

A new website from Public Health England shows serious disparities in the number of early deaths between the north and south of England. Cumbria is also the worst rural county in England when it comes to early deaths.

The Longer Lives website ranks local authorities using a traffic light system, with red for the worst areas for premature death and green for the best. Cumbria has been described as one of the "worst" in the country - ranked 76th out of 150 authorities.

Overall Cumbria is 76^th in health outcomes. In relation to premature death it ranks 80^th in cancer treatment, 77^th in heart disease, 70^th in lung disease and in liver disease 48^th out of 150.

Tim is campaigning for radiotherapy services to be brought to Westmorland General and is working to bring better health services throughout South Lakeland.

Tim said: "We must work tirelessly to end these health inequalities - rural counties face very different health challenges and governments of all colours have failed to meet these. With an older than average population, we desperately need services that meet our needs - especially when it comes to cancer treatment. These statistics strongly back up the case that we need radiotherapy services at Westmorland General to build on the success we have had bringing chemotherapy to South Lakeland."

You can view the figures on The Longer Lives website at: http://longerlives.phe.org.uk/