AN application has been submitted to convert a former mortuary into a permanent Radiology facility at Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal.

The University Hospitals of Morcambe Bay NHS Trust (UHMBT) has submitted the proposal to South Lakeland District Council to convert the space, which is currently vacant, as part of a larger, three-year plan to improve diagnostic services at the hospital.

The plan involves extending the existing building by 111.5 square metres, and will mean the removal of four spaces of 'non-compliant informal staff parking', and proposes 'compliant electric vehicle parking'.

The Planning Statement submitted with the document states: "The proposed development will increase the capacity of referrals for MRI and CT scans as there is an increasing trend in the region in addition to the backlog caused by the pandemic. 

"The development is for a new MRI scan room with the necessary ancillary spaces as well as future-proofing for a CT scanner that the trust is planning on relocating."

Chief operating officer at UHMBT Scott McLean said: "We currently have CT and MRI equipment in rented modular units at the front of the hospital at WGH.

"The planning permission is to convert an existing space in the building to house a permanent CT and MRI suite and provide new spaces to improve patient experience. 

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"This is supported by National Community Diagnostic Centre funding of £12m to improve and increase diagnostic services at WGH over a three-year period. 

"This investment compliments the creation of an Elective Surgical Hub at Kendal which is benefitting from other national capital investment resources."

MP for Westmorland and Losdale Tim Farron said: "I warmly welcome plans for a new MRI and CT diagnostics centre at Westmorland General Hospital.

"This will be a hugely positive step in addressing the backlog in our local NHS and will hopefully lead to much better outcomes for people living with cancer or who have suffered a stroke.

"Also, anything which reduces the journeys that local patients have to make for hospital services, especially during a cost of living crisis when fuel prices are so high, can only be a good thing."