SHOCKING revelations about the depth of the crisis affecting Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals will now be raised in Parliament.

MP Jamie Reed had already secured a debate on the NHS in Cumbria but, in the wake of revelations in  The Cumberland News , has pledged to ensure the concerns are heard at the highest level.

The News & Star 's sister paper revealed this week how staff are being threatened with disciplinary action after there have been six never events since July at the trust which runs the hospitals. Of these preventable serious incidents, five have been in theatres.

An investigation revealed a string of missed targets - including five for cancer waits - delayed operations and serious incidents.

One senior hospital medic said they would drive their sick children out of the county for medical treatment, rather than let them be treated at the Cumberland Infirmary.

Mr Reed, Labour MP for Copeland, told the News & Star : "[The medic's comments] are damning and that should set alarm bells ringing at the highest levels. There are no excuses for that and there can be no hiding places."

During his debate, Mr Reed wants to raise public concerns but also discuss issues such as the ongoing recruitment crisis and the increasing pressure on services.

While they may disagree about the ways to solve the crisis, Mr Reed's political opposition, Carlisle Conservative MP John Stevenson, is in agreement that something must change.

Mr Stevenson said: "It is appalling. It is of huge concern and indefensible that we have so many never events.

"Everywhere, every now and again, there will be the occasional one which occurs. We seem to have far more than we should ever have. That raises questions about the leadership, culture and management of the organisation."

The politician said it has been common knowledge for some time that there are "underlying issues" in the Cumbrian health economy.

"This is what the Success Regime is looking at," he added. "Once they do report we have to implement their proposals as a matter of urgency.

"There will be difficult decisions to be made."

However, Mr Reed believes that the Success Regime is not getting the support it should and is calling on the Government to offer the reassurances that the regime will get the funding it needs."

To take part in Mr Reed's debate, email jamie.reed.mp@parliament.uk

The debate takes place in Westminster Hall on Wednesday 4th May at 11am.