Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Friday 21st October 2016

The Government appreciates that there is local concern about the future of services at West Cumberland Hospital. This is a matter for local determination, following consultation.

The local NHS is consulting on potential changes to services in West, North & East Cumbria and no decisions have been made. Members of the public have the opportunity to make their views known during the consultation process which is running from 26 September to 19 December 2016.

The NHS has a responsibility to ensure people have access to the best and safest healthcare possible. This means it must plan ahead and look at how best to secure safe and sustainable NHS healthcare provision.

The Government is clear that all service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients. It is right that these decisions are led by local clinicians, who best understand the healthcare needs of their local populations, and in consultation with local people.

Any changes must meet the four tests for service change: they must have support from GP commissioners, be based on clinical evidence, demonstrate public and patient engagement, and consider patient choice.

Department of Health