Citizen News
Tim Farron calls for David Cameron to listen to local voices over Morecambe Bay hospitals
4:22pm Thursday 19th January 2012
PATIENTS and medical staff should be given a chance to put their concerns about Morecambe Bay’s three hospitals directly to David Cameron, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has said.
The MP is writing to the Prime Minister asking him to meet clinicians and local people following the launch of a fresh investigation into the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT).
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) launched its latest inquiry into emergency care services at the trust following an unscheduled inspection of accident and emergency services.
It is only the fourth time in the commission's history that it has launched an investigation on this scale.
“I’m writing to the Prime Minister to meet with clinicians, patients and myself to ensure lessons are learned,” said Mr Farron.
“I don’t want Mr Cameron to interfere in the inquiry, but to take an interest at the end of it.”
The probe comes after an unannounced visit to Royal Lancaster Infirmary's critical care department in December.
The trust had already been criticised over a catalogue of failures, including maternity deaths at Furness General Hospital, a follow-up appointment debacle which led to treatment delays for hundreds of cancer patients, higher than average mortality rates and delays in emergency treatment at the RLI.
CQC say the investigation will involve speaking to patients, relatives and frontline staff and observing care delivered at the Royal Lancaster Hospital and Furness General Hospital.
It will also involve gathering evidence through examination of records, speaking with internal and external stakeholders and requesting written statements.
Debbie Westhead, who heads the CQC in the North West, said: “This investigation will allow us to take an in-depth look at the care patients receive as they enter the hospitals for emeregency care.”
She said local people should continue to use accident and emergency services if they need to.
“If we felt there were immediate threats to the safety of patients we would take action,” she added.
UHMBT chief executive Tony Halsall said: “The trust is dealing with a number of important issues at the moment, so it is not surprising that we are coming under additional scrutiny. We hope this investigation will help to reassure everyone.”
Mr Farron said: “The announcement that the CQC is conducting a fourth review into the trust shows that we need hospital bosses to hold their hands up and agree to bring back accident and emergency services and a heart unit to WGH.”
Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “The latest review needs to be carried out thoroughly but also urgently. This must be a year of change and new direction for the Morecambe Bay hospitals trust ”