The decision to save Workington's courts could help the future of the West Cumberland Hospital, the town's MP has said.

Following a campaign by Workington MP Sue Hayman and the Times & Star, the Ministry of Justice last week announced that the town's court building, which hosts both criminal and civil courts, would stay open because of the distance to Carlisle and difficulties with public transport.

Mrs Hayman, who is in talks with the Department of Health about the future of the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, now hopes the same issues will help save services there.

The MP, who recently met with hospitals minister Ben Gummer, said: "I think that they are beginning to realise in Westminster that Cumbria is very different geographically to other parts of the country and that we have small populations and poor transport connections.

"It gives us more to argue with.

"If we have managed to demonstrate that with the courts then it helps us to do the same with the hospital.

"Outside specialist medicine as many services as possible should be close to where people live."

That, she said, should include emergency surgery and trauma services that have been moved to Carlisle being made available in Whitehaven again, and full maternity services remaining in West Cumbria.

Other more minor services could be provided at cottage hospitals even closer to patients, she added.

Problems with health provision across West Cumbria are currently being explored by the NHS's Success Regime.

Mrs Hayman is having regular meetings with Mr Gummer and Department of Health officials.