MP supports £1m investment into Kentmere mental health ward

Local MP Tim Farron has today welcomed the news that the Kentmere mental health ward at Westmorland General Hospital is set to receive an extra £1m in funding if plans for the reconfiguration of Mental Health services in South Cumbria are approved.

Back in 2016, Tim led a successful campaign to save the ward after Cumbria Partnership Trust announced plans to close it.

Tim said: "At a time when it feels like Cumbria is just an afterthought when it comes to mental health provision, today's news is brilliant for everyone who has fought for a better deal for people with mental health problems.

"With over 7,000 people signing our petition to save the Kentmere ward from closure just a few years ago, it's clear just how important the ward is to local people.

"The proposed investment will safeguard the future of Kentmere ward."

Jerry Hawker, Chief Officer of Morecambe Bay CCG said: "The CCG is working closely with local mental health trusts to achieve a much-needed improvement in services and the money has been secured as part of proposals to transfer services to Lancashire Care Foundation Trust."