A PILOT scheme designed to keep Kendal's emergency and minor accident unit open 24-hours-a-day is being launched next Tuesday.

Over the next six months, GPs from the Westmorland Primary Care Co-operative will be available to see some patients at the unit at Westmorland General Hospital between midnight and 8am, and there will be an enhanced role for nursing staff.

Health bosses hope the pilot, which will be reviewed, will overcome severe staffing problems caused by a national shortage of doctors.