Breast cancer diagnosis will take place at the Cumberland Infirmary

The clinic at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven was used to provide a quick diagnosis for patients suspected of having breast cancer.

Patients from the area who need a quick diagnosis will now have to travel to the one-stop clinic at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

The Whitehaven clinic has struggled to meet the demands of patients since the locum breast surgeon left earlier this year.

Mike Walker, medical director at the West Cumberland Hospital, said the Carlisle clinic will be able to serve anyone who needs a diagnosis within two weeks of being referred by their GP.

The closure will mean patients will have to travel to Carlisle for diagnosis only - treatment will still be available at the West Cumberland Hospital.