Temporary beds will open at community hospitals in Maryport and Cockermouth while work is continuing to address safety concerns that forced the closure of Workington Community Hospital’s in-patient ward.

Ellerbeck ward closed in December after a specialist report highlighted issues that would limit the ability to evacuate the first-floor ward in the event of an incident.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service agreed Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust should not admit any more patients on the ward until the issues have been rectified.

The trust has been running a temporary service from the previously vacant Ward 3B at Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital while work continues to reopen the 14-bed Workington site. No timescales have been provided for the work.

But Ward 3B is used as an escalation ward by North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust and due to growing winter pressures it is required once again for this purpose, so the temporary ward will be closed.

From Friday, three temporary beds will be opened at Maryport's Victoria Cottage Hospital and three at Cockermouth Community Hospital.

Joanna Forster Adams, executive director of operations, said: “We have worked closely with our partners at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust to maintain services and limit the impact on patients.

"Moving to Ward 3B was always a temporary solution however work to rectify issues at Workington Hospital has not yet been completed and is taking longer than expected.

"Our staff and patients have been extremely supportive while located at the temporary West Cumberland Hospital facility.

"The safety of our patients and staff is our priority and remains at the heart of all decisions made.

“There is growing winter pressure on A&E departments and across the health system.

"This has further increased following outbreaks of flu and norovirus on the Carlisle and West Cumberland hospital sites.

"Ward 3B will be used by North Cumbria Acute Hospitals Trust to deal with the increased demand making sure that patients receive care promptly in the most appropriate setting for their needs.”