MP uncovers truth on Trust 'red alert' status

Local MP Tim Farron has discovered the worrying truth that Westmorland General Hospital has been on 'red alert' status for more or less the entirety of the past week following conversations with hospital employees. Red alert status means that there are no available beds for incoming patients.

This revelation would appear to undermine the Hospital Trust's case that more wards should be closed and reveals a significant shortage of beds.

Tim Farron said:

"Hospital bosses must be straightforward on this, the information they release on this clearly important issue must be accurate. In short, we need to be able to put trust in the Trust.

"The fact that patients are being turned away makes it plainly clear that there is no case for closing any more wards, indeed it shows a need for re-opening Ward 11."