A DECISION has been taken to allow a private health care firm to use Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust announced today that it had agreed to lease Wards 1 and 2 to Capio Healthcare UK, and to lease land next to Ward 1 for a modular theatre to be built.

A start date for the use of WGH has yet to be set.

The move is part of a Government initiative to use private health care providers to reduce waiting lists in the NHS. The treatment would be free at the point of use.