Phase 2 of WCH revamp to go ahead

Stephen Eames, chief executive at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, has confirmed that phase two of the hospital rebuilding and refurbishment programme for West Cumberland Hospital will go ahead.

Plans for phase two of the redevelopment were halted last year when the estimated costs to carry out the work went over budget by £10m.

The old children's ward (Fairfield Ward) which is in the original hospital building will now be refurbished, mostly during spring 2017, and will house breast screening, cardiology, mortuary, renal, maternity ward and a vascular laboratory.

Demolition of the old WCH main entrance is planned for summer 2018. This will involved knocking down the old buildings which currently block the view of the building from Homewood Road.

The money will come from the redevelopment's previous £90m budget.

Stephen Eames, chief executive at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, said:

“I am extremely pleased to be progressing plans for the remainder of the West Cumberland Hospital redevelopment.

"The £90m building that opened almost 10 months ago is very impressive and we look forward to the completion of the site.

“My aim is to ensure that any further investment is focused on making a long and lasting impact on the provision of healthcare services in West Cumbria and across the county.”

Following the demolition, services remaining in the old building will include stroke rehabilitation, elderly care, chemotherapy, therapies, office space and arrange of clinical support services.

A plan is currently being worked up for this final redevelopment phase, taking into consideration the outcomes of the public consultation set to take place later this year.

Options may also be influenced by the current efforts as part of the Success Regime work to enhance access to services in the community.

A revised outline business case will then be submitted in 2017/18 followed by full business case to allow the full completion of the redevelopment.