Farron calls for reinstatement of hospital pathology lab

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has called for the reinstatement of the pathology laboratory at Westmorland General Hospital

Tim's call follows a series of worrying incidents involving false alarms over the levels of substances such as potassium in blood samples sent away for testing. It is thought that the apparently dangerous concentrations of these substances were the result of excessive shaking and subsequent aeration of the samples during transport to Barrow. Various sources have confirmed that these incidents occur on a regular basis, and that the only viable long-term solution is to reopen the pathology laboratory in Westmorland General.

Tim commented: "These incidents cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. Whilst I applaud the doctors for promptly contacting those whose tests come back with apparently dangerous abnormalities, this puts those patients affected in a difficult and unenviable position, and doubtless makes what is often a simple check-up into a traumatic experience. Reinstating the pathology lab at Westmorland General would undoubtedly solve the problem, and would very likely decrease waiting times as well"