MP Calls for Urgent Action Over Intensive Care Concerns at Barrow Hospital

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Urgent action has been demanded over concerns surrounding intensive care provision at Furness General Hospital in Barrow.

Michelle Scrogham said her long-standing concerns about the hospital’s emergency care unit had been reinforced after the NHS trust escalated the issue to regulators.

The trust running the hospital confirmed it had contacted the Care Quality Commission and other NHS bodies for guidance and support, while acknowledging that further steps are needed to reduce risks to patient safety.

Level 3 intensive care services at the hospital have been suspended since September 2024 due to staffing shortages, with health officials previously indicating the service would not return.

Mrs Scrogham warned that failing to reinstate full critical care capacity could lead to a decline in other services, including accident and emergency and maternity care. She said the situation pointed to a wider “managed decline” that must be urgently addressed.

Hospital leaders have sought to reassure staff that current arrangements mean there are no immediate risks to patient safety, but admitted improvements are needed and have asked staff to contribute ideas to strengthen care.

The MP is now calling for a clear and detailed plan to restore Level 3 intensive care without delay, including measures to attract specialist staff and ensure long-term sustainability of services.

A further clinical review into critical care provision is underway, with a decision on potential public consultation expected later this year.

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