MP seeks GPs' views as axe falls over popular heart unit

On the day that local health trusts are expected to rubber stamp proposals to close the Coronary Care Unit at the Westmorland General Hospital, local MP Tim Farron has written to all GPs across his constituency to ask them in confidence for their opinions on the closure.

Tim said: "It's obvious from the volume of mail in my postbag that local residents are still overwhelmingly opposed to the closure of Kendal's heart unit some eight months after 6,000 people marched through the streets of Kendal town centre to protest.

"What is now less clear is the views of South Lakeland's GPs. They are at the 'coal face' when it comes to medical treatment in the area - and they are therefore in the position to best know the needs of local residents when it comes to health care."

Tim's has guaranteed GPs who respond to his request confidentiality. He continued: "I would urge all GPs to make their views known to me so that as Member of Parliament I can continue to strive to secure the best deal for local patients."