The Council’s Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee has recommended that a full public consultation should take place on proposals affecting the intensive care unit at Furness General Hospital.
The recommendation was made at the committee’s meeting in the Drawing Room at Barrow Town Hall, where councillors considered evidence from the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) and the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
During the meeting, some members of the public expressed their concerns and believed the discussion to be a formal consultation. The committee clarified that its role was to scrutinise the plans and make recommendations, and that any future consultation would be organised by the NHS.
Westmorland and Furness Council would also like to apologise to those who found it difficult to hear proceedings. The high number of attendees, combined with the acoustics of the historic Drawing Room, made it challenging at times for members of the public to follow the discussion. The council is reviewing options to improve accessibility at future meetings.
Councillor Dyan Jones, Chair of the Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee, said: “Our priority is ensuring that local people have their voices heard on such important proposals. We believe a full and transparent public consultation is essential before any final decision is taken.”
The committee’s recommendation has now been formally communicated to the relevant Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.