WORK has started on a new gynaecology department, at Whitehaven's acute hospital, which NHS bosses say will "protect the dignity and privacy" of its patients.
Backed by a £4 million cash boost, the new department at West Cumberland Hospital will provide modern, purpose-built facilities and support high-quality care.
Doctor Rod Harpin, Collaborative Chair for Women and Children’s services at North Cumbria Integrated Care said: "We’re pleased to announce that the work has now started on the new gynaecology department at West Cumberland Hospital. This is a commitment to improving the health, dignity and wellbeing of women across our community.
Dr Harpin said: "The new department will allow us to deliver more modern, compassionate and timely care in a purpose-built environment.
"We hope these facilities, designed around their needs, will benefit women for years to come."
It is hoped that the new facility will enhance both patient and staff experience, occupying an unused space in the hospital.
NHS bosses say the £4 million investment will mean the Whitehaven hospital's maternity department and women's outpatients can be separated for the first time, protecting the dignity and privacy of patients, "ensuring everyone receives care in the most appropriate and comfortable setting."
The plans are part of the wider redevelopment of West Cumberland Hospital, with the maternity outpatients area currently in the design stage.
Maternity outpatients facilities will house the antenatal clinic, day assessment, obstetric scanning and community midwives on a refurbished ward.
Input is being sought from the maternity team and the neonatal voices partnership throughout the process.
Work on the maternity outpatients department is set to start in spring and the overall development is expected to be completed in autumn 2026.
New facilities are opening across North Cumbria, designed to improve patient experience and cut waiting times.
A new Community Diagnostic Centre in Workington is just one of NCIC's investments, the facility began a phased opening in July, providing CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds.
Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary has just seen the development of a new endoscopy unit, which welcomed its first patients in June.
It is hoped the unit will reduce waiting lists and deliver faster diagnosis for illnesses such as cancer.
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