Minister looks into plan to cut critical care unit
BBCThe health minister is considering whether to review a proposal to close a hospital's highest level of intensive care.
Last year, the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said it wanted to close the level 3 unit at Furness General Hospital in Barrow due to staff shortages and lack of demand.
Labour MP Michelle Scrogham has been campaigning against the plan and requested Karin Smyth call-in the decision. The minister has confirmed she has instructed her officials to look into the impact.
The ICB said it was working on a business case ahead of a potential consultation in the spring, but the process was subject to change.
Level 3 care, which is needed for patients requiring life support for multiple organ failure, is currently suspended at the hospital in Cumbria.
The sickest patients are currently being stabilised there before being transferred 46 miles (74km) away to Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
House of Commons/Roger HarrisScrogham said her concerns included safety implications of the proposal and the long-term sustainability of the hospital.
"I welcome the department's decision to examine these concerns in detail," she added.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it would call-in the ICB proposal if it found any concerns with the process followed or if the proposal was found not to be in the best interest of the area's health service.
The ICB said the options it had taken into considerations would need to be approved by its board, with oversight from NHS England, and a further appraisal of "clinically viable options".
A spokesman added: "Whilst we consider the steps we need to take, we expect that the earliest we will be in a position to be able to confirm our intention to launch a public consultation will be in spring 2026.
"However, this would be subject to the steps described above and approval from the ICB Board and NHS England and is, therefore, subject to change."
