A £2 million refurbishment at the Cumberland Infirmary has recently opened to patients, providing a brand new Urology Investigations Unit (UIU) that will provide modern facilities for urology, vascular and pre-assessment services.
This major investment will improve access to timely care for urology patients, expand the scope of vascular investigations, and streamline pre-operative assessments.
The unit is located at the back of the hospital, next to the Cancer Centre.
This purpose-built unit includes:
- Urology Investigations Unit
- Vascular Studies Lab
- Pre-Assessment Unit
Ron Eifell, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, said: “This new space will enable us to offer a broader range of services tailored to patient needs, introduce one-stop clinics to reduce travel and waiting times, and create more efficient pathways.
“It also allows teams to be co-located, which improves staff morale and allows for more collaboration between teams."
“The Vascular team, which has recently expanded, will now be able to mirror services offered at West Cumberland Hospital and boost diagnostic capacity across emergency, urgent and routine cases.
“For Pre-Assessment, the bespoke design of the unit will support a more efficient one-stop service, enhancing the triage process between nursing and medical teams and improving the overall patient experience from the very start of the surgical journey.”
Helen Hart, Pre-Assessment Department Manager, said:
“Since I started working in Pre-Assessment in 2001, the service has come a long way - growing from a small, paper-based and telephone-only team to a cross-site service using digital platforms, face-to-face reviews, and consultant-led clinics.
“We’ve been moved many times over the years, often into spaces that were cramped and unsuitable. Now, we finally have a purpose-built unit, designed with input from our clinical leads. The rooms are bright, airy and equipped with windows, which is a real luxury that will make appointments more pleasant for both patients and staff.
“We also have a spacious, accessible waiting area with convenient drop-off parking, and each staff member will have a dedicated room. This will enable private, high-quality interactions with patients who may need additional time or support. Being located outside the main building also allows for a more discreet visit.
“Having a permanent base will support a calmer, safer and more efficient patient journey.”
Who will use the unit?
- Urology patients requiring outpatient diagnostics or minor treatments (with services also continuing at West Cumberland Hospital)
- Vascular patients needing vascular studies or sonography
- Surgical patients attending for pre-assessment reviews ahead of planned procedures
This new facility marks a major step forward in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across North Cumbria.