The decision follows the decision by North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) NHS Foundation Trust to give notice on its contract, which ends on 31 March.

A Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB spokesperson said: ‘NCIC is working with the new provider to ensure a seamless transition of services and patients, and the intention from both providers is to retain the current workforce where possible.'

Bespoke Healthcare will provide a consultant-led service with further planning of how the team will be deployed taking place during the mobilisation phase before April.

The ICB said it was working with other partners to ensure it builds longer-term sustainable neurosciences services across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The spokesperson added: ‘Staff who are affected have already been notified and discussions have started around retaining their services, letters have been sent to patients and key partners, local practitioners and stakeholders have also been informed.'