MP secures initial support for hospice facility at Westmorland General

3.27.56pm GMT Wed 29th Nov 2006

Local MP Tim Farron has secured initial backing for a plan to provide a small palliative care unit within the Westmorland General Hospital. Currently, residents of South Lakeland have access to hospices in Lancaster and Ulverston, but there are is no similar facility in the Kendal area.

Following a recent meeting between Tim and Dr Helen Clayson, the medical director at St. Mary's Hospice in Ulverston, Tim contacted Acting Chief Executive at the hospital, Kevin McGee, to discuss the idea.

Tim said: "I'm very grateful to Kevin for considering this proposal, and am delighted that he feels the idea of a small palliative care unit is worth pursuing and that it would 'add to the services which are delivered to the local population'.

"Both the hospice in Ulverston, and that in Lancaster provide excellent services to local residents. Having a similar facility in Kendal would stop relatives having to travel as far to see loved ones, and would be an excellent addition to our local hospital."