In November 2025, BBC Radio Cumbria visited Carlisle Healthcare as part of a wider NHS winter focus, highlighting the pressures faced by health services during one of the busiest and most demanding times of the year.
The day included a live broadcast from Carlisle Healthcare’s Locke Road surgery site, exploring how local NHS and community services across Cumbria were preparing to support patients throughout the winter period.
The coverage featured advice, insight and information from a range of healthcare professionals, helping to build a better understanding around patient access, triage systems and the increasing pressures experienced across primary care during winter months. It also highlighted the importance of patients accessing the right care, at the right time, through the right service.
The visit showcased the collaborative work taking place across primary care teams every day, with clinicians, pharmacists, social prescribers and support staff all playing a vital role in helping patients receive safe and timely care during periods of exceptionally high demand.
The broadcast included conversations with Carlisle Healthcare Medical Director and GP Dr Robert Westgate, Advanced Clinical Practitioner Sarah Sewell, Pharmacist Scott Merrin, Social Prescriber Rachel Murdie, alongside patient experiences and contributions from the owners of onsite café NJs, helping to reflect both the clinical and community side of modern healthcare.
We’ve shared a snapshot of the day below, and featured some of the audio clips that capture some of the discussions and behind-the-scenes moments from the broadcast.
A huge thank you to BBC Radio Cumbria and everyone involved for helping shine a spotlight on primary care services during such a challenging period, while also helping patients better understand the realities of NHS winter pressures and the dedication of the teams working tirelessly behind the scenes to support local communities every day.
