Closure of Kentmere mental health unit delayed

The closure of a mental health unit in Cumbria has been delayed.

A decision had been taken to temporarily close the Kentmere ward at the Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal because a Care Quality Commission report found it didn't meet safety standards.

It had been set to close by the end of June.

However, Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the unit, says the temporary closure is now on hold, while "a fuller assessment of the urgency of quality & safety concerns" is conducted.

The Trust says the delay is being made because of "significant concerns expressed by service users, carers and the community", and "the Trust’s desire to be absolutely clear that it has explored every possible option to meet the minimum standards without the need for temporary closure."

Local MP Tim Farron set up a petition against the closure, which has now been signed by more than 5,000 people.

He says the fight to keep the unit open in the long term will continue.