The West Cumberland Redevelopment project is progressing well, despite the many challenges of the last few months. The demolition work is currently underway with an expected completion date of December 2020. The Outline business case for the redevelopment has been passed by the Finance, Information and Performance Committee and is currently with NHS Improvement for approval.
The work makes way for phase two of the redevelopment which will include 60 inpatient beds, encompassing Elderly Care, Step Down facilities and End of life care. The plans also include a Short Stay Paediatric Assessment Unit, Assessment area and 7 inpatient beds. The redevelopment brings a huge upgrade in facilities for both staff and patients creating a much improved environment, whilst retaining bed capacity and services for the acute site.
Long serving members of staff are feeling nostalgic as the demolition of the existing structure progresses at West Cumberland hospital; remembering bygone days created in the over 50 year old building. However saying goodbye to the old means we’re making way for something new which will benefit the local community and staff for years to come.
There is now a new Artist Impression which illustrates what we can expect from the exterior of the new build as well as a birds eye view of the new build integrated with the remaining structure.
Demolition work re-started in April in line with updated government guidelines. This allows construction work to continue subject to stringent guidance.
The construction site at West Cumberland is completely self-contained and does not require access to the hospital itself for the crews to carry out their work.
As the demolition works are moving closer to the existing Hospital, visitors and patients will experience noise and vibration despite possible mitigation measures being in place. This is safe and perfectly normal for the operations being undertaken on the site.
Upon completion, this major milestone makes way for the development of the new extension to the hospital.
