Tim Farron demands that Health Secretary acts after some patients in North Cumbria no longer able to get routine blood test at GP surgeries

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, after new changes mean many patients in Eden can no longer get follow-up blood tests at their local GP surgeries.

Historically, GP practices in the area have provided this type of care locally so that patients do not have to travel to hospital for routine procedures.

But from this week, some GP surgeries have stopped providing this type of work due to huge pressures.

Speaking today, Tim said: “Be in no doubt, this decision is a direct result of our GP surgeries being cut to the bare bone.

“This is a completely unacceptable situation with vulnerable, sick and often elderly patients being forced to travel long distances just for a blood test.

“The Government make a huge song and dance about all the money they are putting into the NHS, and yet the reality for people here in Cumbria is staggeringly different.

“That’s why I’ve written to the Health Secretary, asking him to urgently look at this.”