HOSPITAL bosses say the long-awaited second phase of the West Cumberland Hospital redevelopment will go ahead - with work set to get underway next spring.

The first phase saw the new build section of the £90m Whitehaven hospital open last October.

But plsns for phase two were halted last year when estimated costs rose above the funding approved.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed has since been pushing the Government to release more money to finish the project.

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust has today said is now moving forward with plans for the remainder of the redevelopment work.

It said a range of options have been considered for those services currently remaining in the old building.

The first stage will be to refurbish part of the vacated hospital, mostly during spring 2017, to accommodate breast screening, cardiology, mortuary, renal, maternity ward and a vascular laboratory.

The trust said design work is already well underway for this stage.

A demolition programme is also being scheduled so that a new main

entrance can be created - by summer 2018.

A plan is now being drawn up for those services remaining in the old building - including stroke rehabilitation, elderly care, chemotherapy, therapies, office space and some clinical support services.

Exact details will depend on the outcome of the ongoing review being carried out by the Success Regime, which is set to publish firm proposals at the end of the summer.

A revised Outline Business Case will be submitted in 2017/18. This is needed to release the funding required.

Stephen Eames, chief executive at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I am extremely pleased to be progressing plans for the remainder of the West Cumberland Hospital redevelopment.

"The £90m building that opened almost 10 months ago is very impressive and we look forward to the completion of the site."