CONTROVERSIAL moves to centralise stroke services in Carlisle are still a long way from fruition.

Health chiefs say there is still “considerable work” to do before a Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) opens at the Cumberland Infirmary as agreed.

The move is part of a series of changes to health services in north and west Cumbria approved following a controversial consultation, led by the Government’s Success Regime.

At present, stroke patients are taken to A&E departments at either Carlisle or Whitehaven.

But NHS chiefs claim patients will be better off in a specialist HASU - but they can’t put these units at both hospitals.

They decided to centralise all urgent stroke services at the Cumberland Infirmary, meaning patients having a stroke will no longer be taken to the West Cumberland Hospital.

The move was opposed by many in west Cumbria, particularly those living south of Whitehaven, due to the extra time it will take to travel to Carlisle in an emergency.

Despite being approved two years ago, the changes have yet to take place due to equipment, buildings and staffing issues.

The decision was made by NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) governing body, which is due to receive an update at its meeting today.

A report to the committee explains that changes can not go ahead until staff and facilities

It states: “There is considerable work to ensure estates and equipment issues are resolved, as well as the ongoing challenge around staffing.

“Recruiting for the stroke service has been a focus at recruitment events.”

The CCG meeting, taking place in Workington, will also hear that work to help prevent strokes is also being prioritised, as part of a new community-led movement.

The NHS is working in partnership with charities and local organisations as part of this.