FEARS have been raised over the impact of neurology services being cut at Furness General Hospital.

The current provider of neurology services in south Cumbria is due to pull out of the area from next year.

And talks are under way to find a solution for a replacement provider to keep offering services to patients, health chiefs say.

But Dalton North Councillor Ben Shirley has warned that if services are withdrawn from the area at the end of March, patients could face 'incredibly challenging, long distance journeys to access care'.

He expressed his concern by writing to Professor Craig Harris, the chief operating officer of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.

Cllr Shirley said: "This development has raised serious concerns among local patients, healthcare providers, and community members alike.

"Without an alternative provider identified, South Cumbria neurology patients face the prospect of having to travel significant distances to access essential care potentially as far as Penrith, Carlisle, Lancaster, or Preston.

"For many, such journeys are simply unmanageable, especially for those dealing with debilitating neurological conditions that already impact their quality of life.

"While I understand that efforts to identify a replacement provider are likely underway, progress appears limited, and time is running short.

"I respectfully urge you to prioritise and expedite the process of finding a viable provider to ensure the continuation of neurology services at Furness General Hospital. "Retaining this service in Barrow-in-Furness is essential to support the health and well-being of our local population."

Professor Harris said current provider the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust had given notice to the ICB that it would no longer provide neurology care in the south of the county from April 1.

He said the ICB, which oversees healthcare provision in the area, was 'actively engaged with all partners to ensure the continued and future neurology provision for South Cumbria, and has clinical support in reaching a satisfactory solution'.

He added: “Our intention is to continue delivering neurology services locally within South Cumbria and executive team discussions are taking place with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHTr) and NCIC, alongside colleagues from University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), around the opportunities for the transition of all neurology services for South Cumbria.

“Approaches have also been made for additional capacity from independent sector providers to deliver care in South Cumbria on an interim basis.

“The ICB is committed to working with NCIC to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place ahead of 1 April 2025, and will work together to secure and enhance the service provision to make the best use of the specialist skills of colleagues in the region and establish equitable, high quality neurology services within the South Cumbria locality.”