WESTMORLAND and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has called for full publication of plans which single out the Morecambe Bay area for what he has called 'drastic health cuts'.
It is believed that documents leaked to the Health Service Journal reveal plans for closing wards and services, extending waiting times, and stopping some treatments.
The plans are being drawn up between top officials from NHS England, NHS Improvement and health managers in 14 areas of the country with the highest levels of overspending, including Morecambe Bay.
Mr Farron has written to NHS England to demand that the plans for the Morecambe Bay area be released publicly and in full.
He said: “The public has a right to know about planned cuts to local health services. This is why I have today written to NHS England to demand full publication of the plans for our area. These plans must not be drawn up behind closed doors without public scrutiny.
An NHS England spokesperson said: "Within their fair share of the NHS budget, local doctors and hospitals are planning how best to deliver services to patients, focusing on the priorities of the public, including modern cancer care, expanded mental health and convenient GP services.
"While many options will have been considered locally, the choices of which options to pursue are still to be evaluated and agreed and would require national sign-off in due course."
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