Health bosses have announced they have secured a new provider for neurology services in South Cumbria.
Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board confirmed that Bespoke Healthcare has been awarded the contract to deliver neurology services in the region from April 1.
The current provider, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, announced it would no longer provide neurology services in south Cumbria from April 2025.
A Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board spokesman said: “The trust is working with the new provider to ensure a seamless transition of services and patients, and the intention from both providers is to retain the current workforce where possible.”
In November Councillor Ben Shirley (Dalton North, Conservative) warned that if services were withdrawn from the area at the end of March, patients could face incredibly challenging journeys to access care.
He wrote to Professor Craig Harris, the chief operating officer of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
Cllr Shirley said: “This development has raised serious concerns among local patients, healthcare providers, and community members alike.
“Without an alternative provider identified, South Cumbria neurology patients face the prospect of having to travel significant distances to access essential care potentially as far as Penrith, Carlisle, Lancaster, or Preston.
“For many, such journeys are simply unmanageable, especially for those dealing with debilitating neurological conditions that already impact their quality of life.”
The service that will be commissioned from April 1 is a consultant-led service and further planning of how the team will be deployed will take place during the mobilisation phase before April.
The integrated care board spokesman added: “In addition, we are also working with other partners to ensure we build longer-term sustainable neurosciences services across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
“Staff who are affected have already been notified and discussions have started around retaining their services, letters have been sent to patients and key partners, local practitioners and stakeholders have also been informed.”
