New plans to improve North Cumbria healthcare

North Cumbria has been included in a new Success Regime plan, which aims to improve healthcare in parts of the UK that are struggling.

The first meeting took place today, with representatives from local healthcare providers and patient groups meeting people involved in the scheme.

The aim is to ensure that these local groups work together better, and while the improvement programme will be led locally, they will be able to access national support and resources.

No extra funds will be provided to health and care organisations in North Cumbria.

But the Chair of the local programme, Sir Neil McKay, says they are already organising a meeting between local, national and international healthcare experts, to discuss how to improve North Cumbria's recruitment problem.

When ITV Border asked how improvements can be made without the promise of extra money, Sir Neil McKay said there was "an awful lot we can do":