Hospital closures under spotlight

Demonstrators marched in protest over closure plans

Residents in Cumbria are to be given a chance to voice their concerns over plans to shut their cottage hospitals.

Health bosses are considering closing six community hospitals in the county, including Brampton, Keswick, Millom, Maryport, Cockermouth and Alston.

The proposed move is proving controversial and Cumbria County Council is holding a public forum to discuss the health shake-up.

It takes place at William Howard School in Brampton on 9 January.

A draft document outlining the closure plans was due to go to public consultation for three months in December, but has now been delayed.

Valuable beds

The government has said that no decision will be made without a full public consultation.

County councillor, Philip Howard, will chair the meeting. He said: " This issue is extremely close to people's hearts.

"Residents in and around Brampton want to see the local cottage hospital remain open and possibly even expand."

Last month demonstrators took to the streets of Penrith with placards to protest over the plans.

North Cumbria Primary Care Trusts said more money than ever was being spent on community services and the reorganisation would improve patient care.