Hospital plans on the table

by Staff Reporter

Last updated 11:49, Friday, 10 October 2008

COCKERMOUTH residents will get a chance to hear more about proposals for redeveloping the town’s cottage hospital at a meeting later this month.

The Cockermouth District and Neighbourhood Forum will hear a talk by Dr John Howarth, who has been involved in the revamp proposals.

Dr Howarth, Cockermouth GP and clinical director of adult services in primary trust hospitals, said: “This is a major health investment to bring our hospitals up to the same standards as hospitals in Europe.”

He will give an update on the situation to the forum at Lorton Street Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 21.

Work is due to start on the Cockermouth hospital building next year, and will take more than two years to complete.

The old Isel Road building will be maintained while its replacement is being built on the same site.

It is being rebuilt because of structural problems, old boilers and leaky roofs.

Health managers at NHS Cumbria recently announced plans to develop the area’s community hospitals after a major public campaign forced a rethink on earlier closure proposals.

The new buildings will provide more space to offer a greater range of services, they say.