MP welcomes dropping of Baycall merger plans

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 6th Feb 2008

Local MP Tim Farron has today welcomed the decision by Cumbria Primary Care Trust to drop plans to merge the out-of-hours GP service Baycall with a similar service from the north of the county, Cuedoc. There had been plans to combine the two, which had led to fears that there may be a reduction in the quality of service provided for patients.

Mr Farron called for the PCT to consult fully regarding the plans last week because of concerns that Cuedoc would not be able to replicate the excellent service that Baycall provides.

Tim Farron said:

"My main fear on hearing of these plans was that a private sector provider would be able to dictate inferior terms and conditions for staff and a level of service that would not be to the benefit of patients, for that reason I am very happy that the PCT has decided against the merger, at least for now.

"Baycall can now continue to provide their invaluable service to the benefit of patients in South Cumbria."