Hospital patients from across north and west Cumbria will be asked this week for their assessment of the care they received.

The Commission for Health Improvement is conducting a patient-led audit of health services in Carlisle and Whitehaven.

The Commission, the government's health inspection service, says its intention is to ensure patients receive a first class service from the NHS.

It will use the exercise to identify good practice and insist on improvements where necessary.

Private sessions

The assessment will be carried out at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.

There has been criticism of the controversial PFI Cumberland Infirmary, with complaints about the ways patients are treated and discharged.

A specialist team has been selected to interview patients, staff and other interested organisations.

Private sessions will be held in Carlisle, Penrith, Keswick and Workington next month where people can give their comments and opinions.