Addressing colleagues on Wednesday, Councillor Peter Kendall said: “It’s critical that we retain community hospitals.
“It’s the glue that helps in convalescence and respite care for the wider community.
“It’s important that we retain beds not just in Maryport but in all the cottage hospitals.”
Coun Carni McCarron-Holmes, executive member responsible for health, added that four beds had recently been closed at Keswick’s hospital, only to be reinstated a short time later because of the knock-on effect on other nearby hospitals.
She said: “This shows the effect community hospitals have.”
Their comments come as the Government- appointed Success Regime looks to change the area’s health services in response to concerns about their current effectiveness.
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