Today, Cumbria County Council's local committee for Carlisle, heard from Michael Smillie, Director of Service for the three Primary Care Trusts, about the future of Acute Health Services in North Cumbria and the implications for The Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
Through the development and changes to the service the main reasons of the current restructuring proposals for change are, advances in healthcare, new technology, high quality care, European working time directive and people's needs and expectations.
Chairing the local committee today, councillor Kevan Wilkinson said:
"I am pleased that Michael Smillie came to this local committee meeting. It gave us all an opportunity to hear what proposals for change the NHS are considering as well as being able to answer any questions or concerns that we ourselves may have. The proposals could particularly affect the Cumberland Infirmary. Consultation is ongoing so everyone throughout the area can have their say."
The key NHS proposals are:
1. That there should be two acute hospitals - The Cumberland Infirmary and a new hospital in West Cumbria
2. Both should have A & E departments and intensive therapy units
3. A new diagnostic and treatment centre should be developed for planned operations
4. There should be increased use of community services across North Cumbria to deliver more health care outside of the acute hospitals