AN APPLEBY town councillor is calling for a specialist medical assessment centre to be created in Penrith to serve the people of the Eden Valley - as she claims a proposed site in Carlisle is too far away.
Coun Maggie Clowes claims the travel times from East Cumbria do not meet the targets outlined in proposals for CATS - Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Support services - which will be discussed at a public meeting next Tuesday (February 13) in Penrith.
CATS is a new service, paid for by the NHS and provided by the independent sector, where patients would have diagnosis and minor treatment, instead of going to hospital out-patient clinics. Centres, which are designed to reduce waiting times, could be located in Cumbria in Carlisle, Ulverston and Workington.
Meanwhile, David Maclean, MP for Penrith and the Border, has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to maintain Cumbria's community hospitals.
The full NHS consultation document is available to download from the dedicated CATS website: www.cumbriaandlancashirecats.nhs.uk or copies can also be requested by telephoning 01772-647184.
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