A Group of consultants have defended hospital bosses in a row over controversial plans to overhaul services.

The 10 largely senior consultants, including medical director Rod Harpin, countered claims that management have not properly engaged with clinicians or been upfront on recruitment.

It followed comments made by a senior maternity consultant in a letter to the Prime Minister, which were subsequently backed by the chairman of the local Medical Staff Committee (MSC).

Andrene Hamilton, labour ward lead at the West Cumberland Hospital, wrote to Theresa May to stress that plans to remove consultant-led maternity from Whitehaven were dangerous and not supported by clinicians. She also accused North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust of misrepresenting information about recruitment.

Suresh Rao, chairman of the MSC, which represents consultants at the trust, supported her comments, adding that it had been "difficult to get any rational discussions" with bosses.

But, speaking to the News & Star, the 10 consultants said Mr Rao's comments did not represent all MSC members and insisted there have been positive discussions with the trust.

They added that innovative work is underway to tackle recruitment challenges at Whitehaven and make services, including A&E and intensive care, sustainable.

Ajith Wijesiriwardana, clinical director for obstetrics, said it was true that most consultants would prefer to retain consultant-led maternity on both sites, but claimed the majority view is that, if this isn't possible, then other options should be looked at.

However, when asked directly if they could assure readers that centralising consultant-led care in Carlisle would be safe, they declined to answer. Speaking on their behalf, Dr Harpin claimed it would not be appropriate to discuss an issue of political interest during purdah - the period before the Copeland by-election.

"We do not want to be seen as being evasive," he added. "Whatever the outcome, the first objective will be to make it safe for the people of north, west and east Cumbria."

He stressed that they had not withheld any information on recruitment. Jonny Cardwell, associate medical director for children’s services, stressed that difficulties recruiting paediatricians are not recent but have been ongoing for several years.

Olu Orugun, associate medical director at Whitehaven, and Jon Sturman, clinical director for intensive care said both hospitals have a vibrant future thanks to new university links and exciting new staff developments. "I have been here since 1995 and have never been more optimistic," said Dr Orugan.

The group also includes Denis Burke, associate medical director for emergency care; Clive Graham, director of infection prevention; Jim Shawcross, consultant physician; Dinesh Moga, deputy clinical director for obstetrics; Nick Strong, associate medical director for surgery.