MP CALLS ON TRUST TO LAUNCH PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN FOR REOPENING OF HELME CHASE MATERNITY UNIT

Today, local MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that maternity services are set to be restored at Westmorland General Hospital at the end of this month.

Helme Chase Maternity Unit had been temporarily closed since the end of March because of the risk of overexposure to Entonox, more commonly known as gas and air.

This week, Tim has written to the Chief Executive of the Morecambe Bay Hospitals Trust, Aaron Cummins, welcoming the reopening.

Tim has urged the Trust to launch a publicity campaign advertising that the maternity ward is back open. Tim also encouraged the Chief Executive to advertise the reopening in every GP surgery in the area.

In his letter, Tim wrote: "Helme Chase is such a treasured and much-loved ward, staffed with dedicated and brilliant people."

Tim has said, however, that he is conscious of the concerns that new parents may have in returning to the Unit. He wants to advertise to patients that not only is the Unit safe but is also brilliantly run with experienced staff.

Speaking today, Tim said: "The Helme Chase Maternity Unit is a brilliant local resource for our communities in the Lakes, my own children were born there.

"I am delighted to see the Unit reopen. This excellent service should get the recognition it deserves so we can preserve it for future generations.

"That is why I want the Trust to send a loud and clear message to encourage parents to choose Helme Chase."