MP speaks out against plans to close Pathology Lab at WGH

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jul 2007

Tim Farron MP has voiced his concerns over plans by the Hospitals Trust to close down the Pathology Lab at Westmorland General Hospital. Tim agrees with local patients and health professionals that this could result in a poorer service.

The Pathology Lab currently provides a crucial service in supplying test results promptly. If the plans go ahead, hospital doctors and GPs in the area will have to wait for samples to be sent to Lancaster to be processed.

Tim Farron said:

"The plans to close the Pathology Lab are being sold by the Hospitals Trust as an improvement in service but I cannot see how this can be the case. I have spoken to health professionals and patients recently who share my concerns.

These plans, on top of the plans to close the heart and stroke unit, further threaten the viability of WGH and safety of patients in the local area. I call on the Hospitals Trust to listen to the concerns raised over the planned closure of the Pathology Lab and reconsider their decision."