Stop wasting space at Westmorland General

Responding to the financial challenges facing the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, Tim Farron has challenged health bosses to stop wasting space at Westmorland General Hospital.

Around a third of the space at WGH is not being fully used. Meanwhile, the Hospitals Trust must make significant efficiency savings over the next four years. Tim considers WGH as the first place to start making efficient use of space.

Tim said: "I sympathise with the Trust's predicament - but the NHS is wasting large amounts of money treating South Lakes' patients in Lancaster, Barrow or further afield. Our local hospital is being underused despite the availability of plentiful car parking. We're making progress here, with the new chemo ward opening soon, the mental health unit and the new eye clinic at WGH - but there's so much more we can bring to our hospital to make best use of the site.

"Making more use of WGH will help save the Trust money and improve health services for our local communities."