MP encourages residents to have their say on hospital merger plans

Local MP Tim Farron is urging people in the South Lakes to have their say on the future of hospitals in South Cumbria and Lancashire.

One of the ideas put forward would be to close the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and the Royal Preston Hospital and replace them with a single hospital.

A petition set up by Tim opposing plans to merge the two hospitals has gathered more than 4,000 signatures.

Residents can take part and share their views anonymously by heading to https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/LSCNewHospitalsProgramme/

Tim said: "This is a crucial moment for the future of health services in the South Lakes.

"It's so important we get across the message that improvements and investment to our local hospitals are badly needed but that moving services south of Lancaster is not the answer.

"Make your voice heard and help us fight to make sure that people aren't forced to travel even further for emergency care."