Final Approval given for £40 million phase two redevelopment at WCH

Marvellous news for patients and staff in West Cumbria as final confirmation has been given of the approval of the £40 phase two redevelopment of the hospital to provide new facilities.

I have had an email in the last 24 hours from the communications manager of NCIC which reads as follows (there is also a detailed report in the Whitehaven News out today.)

"We are delighted to confirm that we have now received final approval for phase two of the West Cumberland Hospital redevelopment from the Department of Health and Social Care.

The £40 million project will replace up to 40% of the original hospital and build upon the £90m investment from phase one of the project which was completed in 2015. The new build will bring a huge upgrade in facilities for both patients and staff creating an improved environment while retaining bed capacity and services for the hospital.

The new build will include: a paediatrics unit, a care of the elderly ward, a specialist palliative care/step down ward and a stroke/rehabilitation ward. Establishing a suitable design for phase two has been a collaborative process between colleagues across the Trust, ensuring the design is clinically-led.  

The design has been created and modified to accommodate the changing landscape within healthcare. Elderly care will have both four bedded areas as well as single rooms after feedback from patients stated they felt they benefitted from the company of others while recognising single rooms allow for privacy. All areas will adhere to infection prevention best practice.  

The project is expected to be complete by 2024 and we will continue to provide regular updates on progress and opportunities to get involved.

You can now view the plans for phase two here."