arron launches huge offensive to stop ward closures

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jul 2008

Local MP Tim Farron is issuing a call to arms in the fight to stop the hospital trust from closing medical emergency wards at Westmorland General Hospital. Mr Farron is writing to the thousands of people in his constituency who have signed petitions against the closures and urging them to write to members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, who have the power to refer the closure plans to the Independent NHS Reconfiguration Panel. More than 28,000 people signed the petition.

As it stands, the closure plans are due to proceed this summer but Mr Farron is confident that this last minute push can prevent the flawed plans from proceeding.

Tim Farron said:

"We have stood together as a community to prevent these closures and we must continue to do everything we can to stop these closures from going ahead, the plans are deeply flawed and will put lives at risk if they take place.

"I am hugely grateful to everyone who has signed a petition or written letters already, but I would urge them to engage in this final push, we can still succeed!"

ENDS