Update on neurology services in South Cumbria

Latest update - 5 December 2024

We recognise the importance of this situation and the ICB is working hard to secure provision as an immediate interim solution that will meet the needs of our residents in South Cumbria.  We are working collaboratively with NCIC and there have been ongoing and productive discussions to secure an alternative provider, although the complexity of this work means that this is taking slightly longer than we had previously hoped. 

North Cumbria Integrated Care will continue to deliver services until the end of March 2025, and we are working hard to confirm a new provider as quickly as we can, so that we can ensure that the transfer for existing patients is as seamless as possible.

In addition, we are also working with other partners to ensure we build longer term sustainable neurosciences services across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Update - 26 November 2024

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) has given formal notice to Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB that it will no longer provide the neurology service from locations in South Cumbria from 1 April 2025. NCIC will continue to deliver a neurology service from locations in South Cumbria for patients in South Cumbria until 31 March 2025.

The change is taking place because, for some time now, NCIC has had interim measures in place to provide the service in South Cumbria. These interim measures are not sustainable in the long term and recruitment remains a huge challenge. NCIC has tried to gain mutual aid from various centres but has been unsuccessful to date.

Following receipt of the letter of intent from NCIC, the ICB has been actively engaged with all partners to ensure the continued and future neurology provision for the locality, and is close to being able to announce alternative arrangements.

Whilst NCIC is continuing to provide services in locations for South Cumbria until 31 March 2025, there is a requirement for additional interim arrangements to be established to ensure continuity of care and continued access to neurology services for local residents.

The intention is to continue delivering neurology services locally within South Cumbria. To address the current service delivery risks, mutual aid support has been requested from partner tertiary centres and approaches have also been made for additional capacity from independent sector providers to deliver care in South Cumbria.

Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB and NCIC are committed to working together 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.

There is a commitment to establish equitable, high quality neurology services across Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB and because this is a priority programme for the system, all options and opportunities are being considered to address the current service delivery issues and for services to continue to be provided within the South Cumbria locality.

Our next position update will be provided by Friday 6 December.