South Lakes MP welcomes testing becoming available for key workers at Westmorland General Hospital

Local MP Tim Farron has welcomed today's news that key workers will now be able to be tested for COVID-19 at Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital, thanks to the Morecambe Bay hospitals trust.

The testing will be available to key workers who are self-isolating because they are showing coronavirus symptoms, or because members of their households are showing symptoms.

To arrange testing, employers of key workers should contact the COVID testing centre at the hospital on 01539 715630, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

Previously, front-line staff were told to travel as far as Gateshead or Preston for their nearest testing centre.

Tim said: "Testing is absolutely critical to beating coronavirus.

"But here in Cumbria, front-line staff have faced ridiculously long journeys to access it.

"So the fact that we now have testing for all key workers who are self-isolating right on our doorstep is brilliant news and credit to our local hospitals trust.

"Those on the front-line, whether they be teachers, binmen or bus drivers, deserve nothing less for the amazing work they are doing during this crisis."

For more information on how to be tested at Westmorland General Hospital, go here.