Save Our Beds campaigners are hoping to meet the Success Regime boss with a silent demonstration of hospital support.

The organisers have been told that Sir Neil McKay will visit Maryport on Tuesday, August 2, between 9am and 11am.

No definite time has yet been given and the timing means he will not be able to attend the popular weekly coffee and crack where he would have the opportunity to speak to around 60 locals.

Bill Barnes, chairman of SOB, said it was essential Sir Neil recognised the strength of feeling about the removal of beds from the hospital.

“At the same time we feel a noisy protest, shouting insults and behaving in an unruly manner would not further our cause.

“The battle to save all our hospital services in Maryport will be won on logic. We have a strong case already. We have statistics on our side; we have demonstrated the difficulties for Maryport people in visiting other hospitals and we have certainly shown how necessary the hospital is to this community.

“I think heckling would be counterproductive.”

Mr Barnes also emphasised that the focus of the local campaign is to save Maryport hospital.

“We recognise there are many health issues in the area including the future of the West Cumberland hospital. We wish campaigners there all success and will support them. But Sir Neil’s visit here is all about seeing the Maryport hospital in action.”

Mr Barnes said a point he would be making to Sir Neil is about the so-called “overspend” at Maryport hospital.

“We are told the hospital is over budget by £144,000. In the first place, that represents one sixth of one per cent of Cumbria’s health debt so is absolutely meaningless,” he said.

“More importantly, to call it an overspend would indicate the hospital has spent more money than it should have. That is by no means the case.

“The hospital has not overspent. It is spending the same amount but its budget has been slashed.”

Mr Barnes said the group will be trying to find out a little more about the timing of the visit.

He added: “We intend to refresh all the ribbons around town before he comes and will look at timings for the silent protest, which will take place in the Glasson Rugby League Club car park opposite the hospital."