PENRITH Hospital’s newly renovated £1.2 million inpatient ward has been opened by Penrith and the Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson.

The now fully operational ward has 23 beds with much more privacy and space than before with the ward being made up of two four bed bays, one three bed bay, three two bed bays with an en-suite and four single cubicles 

Each room is en-suite and each bed also has its own television, and everything on the ward is Covid-compliant.

READ MORE: Penrith hospital refurbishment

‘’What a transformation!’’ Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said.

‘’Congratulations to everyone involved in the monumental £1.2 million overhaul improving patient welfare and giving people quality care closer to home. The 23 community beds are an excellent resource for the people of Eden and the great work of our wonderful NHS staff will be much better supported with the improved care facilities.’’

Ashley Macaulay, Ward Manager on the Eden Unit at Penrith Hospital, said moving back to the Eden Unit was like Christmas for her team.

She said ‘’We are all very excited to be back working together. It means patients can be cared for closer to home and that’s what the people of Penrith and the Eden Valley really need.’’

The government funded renovation of the ward has come on the back of a public consultation in 2016.

Dr Hudson also passed on his ‘special thanks’ to the Penrith Community Hospital League of Friends, who have raised extra money for the ward and made the surroundings look nice for the patients.

Jill Foster, executive chief nurse at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, added that she is ‘’delighted that the works have been completed’’ and  said that ‘’the new modern ward will offer an improved patient experience and will also benefit our staff working on the ward.’’

The ward was shut for 10 months whilst the renovations took place and is now in full time operation following the official opening.