A Cumbrian health trust has been told to make improvements following an top-level inspection, which saw its rating drop.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust runs services in the south of the county.

Watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today published its latest inspection report, which saw its overall rating drop from 'good' to 'requires improvement'.

Improvements must now be made in several areas - particularly its A&E department.

Professor Ted Baker, the Chief Inspector of Hospitals, said: “It is disappointing to see this trust return to a rating of requires improvement, although I note the staff are doing everything they can to care for patients in a respectful and compassionate manner, often working under significant pressure.

“We will be monitoring the trust’s performance closely."

However he added that inspectors did see some outstanding practice - including improvements at the Westmorland General Hospital's cardiac unit in Kendal and the supportive culture in Furness General in Barrow.