The second part of the redevelopment of West Cumberland Hospital will enable a bright future for patients across Cumbria.
Expected to operational by the Autumn of 2023, initial details of the £40m project were shared in a virtual event held by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Consultant Surgeon, Mr Mike Walker helped to lead the event and explained how he was excited for the future for the west Cumbrian hospital:
“I see for the first time we have a sustainable plan, we’re making changes and we can build a service that we can be really proud of.”
Mr Walker went on to describe how the staff have been influential in creating what is termed a composite workforce, which means utilising different clinical professions to offer the right treatment for the right person at the right time.
“The composite workforce we have here at the hospital has allowed for these changes to happen. These are local people, who have trained here and choose to work here. A lot of our staff have been here for over 20 years, they care, this is their local hospital and that really matters.”
The event outlined the key principles for the redevelopment to deliver safe high quality care to our patients every time. The next phase of the redevelopment will create a much improved environment for both staff and patients which Mr. Walker believes will bring people back to the site for their care:
“The new facilities have meant people are voting with their feet, they want to be treat here at West, they’ve heard what the facilities are like here.”
Over 40 people attended the virtual event and the Trust is exploring how it can further engage with the community in a safe way in the coming months.
If you would like to watch the event, you can find it here.
For further information about the redevelopment please visit: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/trust/projects-and-campaigns/west-cumberland-hospital-redevelopment
If you would like further information, please contact helpdesk.communications@ncic.nhs.uk