Overview

• The Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust has finalized plans to close Yewdale Ward in Whitehaven, citing safety and quality concerns.
• Inpatient services will move to expanded capacity at the Carleton Clinic in Carlisle, with the transition expected no earlier than July 2025.
• A new 24/7 Hope Haven community hub, funded by NHS England, will open in Whitehaven later this year to provide enhanced local mental health support.
• Critics, including MP Josh MacAlister and local campaigners, have raised concerns about the lack of formal consultation and the impact on accessibility for West Cumbria residents.
• The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board has set conditions that must be met before the relocation can proceed, ensuring patient and family engagement during the transition.