By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Published at 11:24, Thursday, 30 August 2012

The final phase of a £7.6 million investment in Cumbria’s community hospitals, health centres and clinics is now underway.

The three-year project aims to bring all cottage hospitals up to national standards.

It also includes refurbishing the occupational therapy and physiotherapy unit at West Cumberland Hospital and a complete redesign and fit out of two dental facilities in Alston and Kendal.

The work to upgrade and improve facilities is being led by NHS Cumbria.

It will see the county’s ageing community hospitals brought up to standards set out by national watchdog the Care Quality Commission.

It has been welcomed by hospital League of Friends groups across the county.

Work at Keswick’s hospital is due to start in the autumn and be finished by late spring next year.

NHS Cumbria has allocated £560,000 to improve single sex accommodation and relocate the minor injuries and X-ray department and day hospital.

A new heating system will make the building more energy-efficient and a new fire alarm system will be installed to improve safety.

Funding is coming from NHS Cumbria, with a contribution from the League of Friends group.

Its chairman Maurice Hamilton said: “The project will not constitute a ‘new build’ but will involve relocation and improvement of the facilities within the existing structure.

“The proposed plans will increase the quality of care provided within the hospital. We will stay closely involved with the progress of the project which we feel will be of great benefit to patients, staff and the community of Keswick and district.”

The Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs community services, has also said it will contribute to the Keswick upgrade.

In Penrith, £350,000 of improvements were carried out last year, including the creation of the new assessment unit and refurbishment of outpatients and wards.

This year a further £450,000 has been made available to upgrade the heating system, improve car parking access and external decor.

Wigton, Brampton and Alston hospitals will also benefit from investments.

There will also be improvements to three GP surgeries in South Cumbria, while investment has already improved facilities at Maryport’s community hospital and Carlisle’s London Road Clinic.

NHS Cumbria’s head of estates, Laura Grierson, said: “I am delighted to have had the financial support to be able to significantly improve the healthcare facilities across Cumbria.”

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk