The NHS in North Cumbria has secured a share of a £350 million national pot 40 new Community Diagnostic Centres.

It was announced by the Government and NHS on Friday.

A three year proposal has been submitted to create a diagnostic hub at Penrith.

Dean Oliver, Executive Director of Performance and Strategy said: "This welcome and much needed funding is great news for our patients as it will help to improve access to the diagnostic tests they need.

"Our local teams have already made great progress in ramping scans and tests back up to pre-pandemic levels.

"Now, in addition to the new endoscopy unit at Carlisle which will be operating for 6 months from 1st November, this new investment will help us go even further.

"If further monies are awarded in year 2 and 3, we will be able to realise the vision for a full community diagnostics hub at Penrith Hospital."

As part of the proposals for Penrith the Trust has been successful in receiving the funding for year one.

This will enable the NHS to bring in additional mobile CT and MRI scanners and boost existing ultrasound and endoscopy capacity to the Trust.

The diagnostic centres will help people achieve easier and more direct access to diagnostic tests.

It will also reduce hospital visits helping reduce the spread of Covid 19.