'Isolated' mental health ward at risk of closure

A public consultation is under way into the future of Yewdale Ward in Whitehaven, Cumbria

A hospital trust is considering closing an adult mental health ward, which would leave the closest service more than 40 miles (64km) away.

Yewdale Ward, part of West Cumberland Hospital, has been deemed "too isolated" from other mental health services and no longer "fit for purpose", as men and women are housed together.

A "Save Yewdale Ward" group has been set up on social media in response to the uncertainty, which is undergoing a public consultation.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) said no decision had been made, but it would be guided by its "desire to deliver the best care and support" it can.

The 16-bed ward in Whitehaven, Cumbria, provides support to men and women with severe mental health issues.

Patients would have to travel to Carlisle or Newcastle for treatment, if the facility is closed.

CNTW said its location meant it was hard to provide support for the ward and was difficult to recruit staff.

Staff have said they are "confused" and "sad" at the possibility of its closure.

Alex Gheorghe, who works on the ward, said: "It is important to be close to your family and your home to be able to reintegrate back in the community.

"It is a lovely place to work and the staff are great at their jobs."

James Duncan, chief executive at CNTW, said the priority was "to do everything we can to make services in west Cumbria better for those who need them".

"Decisions will be guided by our desire to deliver the best care and support that we can, with the resources we have available," he added.

The consultation will run until the end of December.