CONCERNS the new names suggested for a newly reformed NHS Trust could cause confusion for South Lakeland residents and visitors have been expressed by MP Tim Farron.

Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust plan to merge later this year and have issued a shortlist of potential names for the new body.

But the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP said three of the four shortlisted names, Lake District NHS Foundation Trust, North Lake District NHS Foundation Trust and Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, will cause confusion as they suggest the organisation covers the whole of the county and not just the northern part of the area.

Mr Farron has advised the Trust of his concerns.