Hospital ICU removal decision not due until 2027
BBCA final decision over the removal of the highest level of intensive care at a local hospital will not be made until October 2027.
Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) had proposed to permanently close the level 3 unit at Furness General Hospital (FGH), in Barrow-in-Furness, due to staff shortages and lack of demand.
But Labour MP Michelle Scrogham said it would "not only impact the most critically ill patients but would also lead to a gradual decline in level 1 and level 2 care" at the hospital.
The most unwell patients are currently being stabilised at FGH before being transferred 46 miles (74km) to Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
The ICB met Scrogham on Monday and said it was exploring alternative models of care with University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).
Last year level 3 care, for those patient requiring life support for multiple-organ failure, was suspended at the Barrow hospital.
But Scrogham, who has been campaigning to save the intensive care facility, has argued that closing the unit would have "far-reaching consequences" for the hospital.
"Such a decision would not only impact the most critically ill patients, but would also lead to a gradual decline in level 1 and level 2 care.
"Over time, this would inevitably affect the viability of other vital departments, including A&E and maternity, thereby eroding the sustainability of the hospital," she said.
House of Commons/Roger HarrisThe MP claimed progress had been made over the past two months, including a successful bid for funding for a research and education programme aimed at nurses, Allied Health Professionals and medics.
She said further work was being done to understand how recruitment and retention in the area could be improved, but stressed that recruitment to key posts at the hospital continued with some "positive successes recently".
The ICB said it would work closely with Scrogham, and said no final decisions would be made before October 2027.
It added it was pleased with with the progress made in exploring potential alternative models of care.
The board said it was undertaking a second clinical review, by Yorkshire and the Humber Clinical Senate, to provide an assessment of the potential solutions and options for level 3 care.
