Maternity changes 'likely' at Cumbrian hospitals
Changes to maternity services in north and west Cumbria are "likely", according to the Chief Executive of the NHS Trust that runs the hospitals.
In a statement released today, Stephen Eames said no decisions regarding maternity care at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, and the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, have yet been taken.
Problems recruiting staff, including consultants, in Cumbria, is being cited as one of the reasons providing 24-hour consultant-led care at both hospitals is a challenge.
The campaign group aiming to keep consultant-led maternity services at the West Cumberland Hospital have reacted with fury to the development.