West Cumberland Hospital, which is part of the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) in the UK, has achieved the completion of its £40m ($52.5m) redevelopment.

The new 55,860ft² facility, a two-storey extension, has been constructed by GRAHAM, who was appointed for the project in April 2022.

GRAHAM was awarded the contract following the successful delivery of the Trust’s cancer treatment centre in Carlisle and has completed the project through the ProCure22 framework.

The facility is now ready to enhance healthcare services in Whitehaven.

The redevelopment marks the practical completion of a building project that used modern methods for up to 70% of its construction, showcasing the successful integration of these techniques into healthcare infrastructure.  

In addition, the extension includes specialised wards and units, such as a palliative care unit and a Stepdown Community Ward, which are located on the ground floor. 

The Loweswater Suite and Copeland Unit on the ground floor offer private rooms and access to a courtyard, designed to provide a calming environment for patients and their families.

The redeveloped building also features a Children and Young People’s Ward, with upgraded rooms and en-suite facilities, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for younger patients.

For elderly care, the extension includes a Care of the Elderly Ward, with dementia-friendly design elements.

This ward comprises eight en-suite side rooms and six four-bedded bays, as well as communal spaces to encourage social interaction among patients.

In addition, the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit on the ground floor provides an outdoor rehabilitation area, a private family room, and a variety of rooms and bays to meet different patient needs.

The new building integrates advanced medical facilities with patient-centric designs, including private therapeutic outdoor courtyards and dedicated family spaces for private meetings and consultations.

This approach aims to enhance both the quality of care and the overall patient experience at West Cumberland Hospital.

The hospital’s new extension is expected to be fully operational by the end of September, with all services moved in and ready to serve the community.

GRAHAM regional director Peter Reavey said: “We’re proud to have been part of this transformative project. The new facilities at West Cumberland Hospital will greatly improve the provision of healthcare services locally.

“Using modern methods of construction, we’ve delivered a building that not only meets but exceeds current healthcare standards.”