The loss of Maryport's cottage hospital would be a devastating blow.

The hospital is in the centre of the town's Ewanrigg estate. A 2015 report from Public Health England showed that, in this ward alone, nearly a quarter of the population had limiting long-term illness or disabilities and nearly 10 per cent had health which was bad or very bad. 

A quarter of the population suffer “income deprivation” and 34 per cent of young people are in child poverty while 28 per cent of older people are in deprivation. A total of 35 per cent of pensioners in the ward live alone.

Kate Whitmarsh, ELT development officer, said the latest Census figures also show that 34 per cent of the ward's population do not own or have access to transport.

About 500 patients are admitted to Maryport a year. The Success Regime, who is driving this proposal, says those patients would be admitted to Keswick, Cockermouth or Workington.

These hospitals are already working at capacity, although the Success Regime says their plans may include more beds at these hospitals.

There is a regular bus service to Maryport hospital. Depending on public transport to other hospitals is more problematic.

To get to Keswick means travelling to Workington to change buses. The same applies to Cockermouth after 5pm, although there is a more direct, if irregular service, during the day.

If someone was admitted to hospital in Keswick, the standard bus fare for visiting relatives is £13.40.

Campaign leaders have many questions they are putting to the regime, including asking if Maryport hospital is operating within budget. Despite attempts by the League of Friends, there has been no answer to this question.

The Success Regime has been set up to look at ways to reduce a £30 million NHS deficit in Cumbria and to improve performances at both the Cumberland and West Cumberland hospitals.

Mrs Whitmarsh said it was worth pointing out that despite the health inequalities and deprivation in Maryport, the GP practice was one of only a handful viewed as outstanding.

We urge readers to join our campaign by:

BLOB signing the written petitions which will be handed out in Maryport in the next few days

BLOB signing the online petition at www.timesandstar.co.uk

BLOB writing to the Success Regime to say why you believe the hospital has to remain open. For help with this and to get your letters posted, visit the Ewanrigg and Netherton Community Centre on Ennerdale Road or phone 01900 819575.