Contractors have now started work to build an extension at Keswick hospital which will house an extra four in-patient beds. The extension will bring the total number of beds there to 16 and works are expected to be finished in the spring of 2019.

Julie Viney is the ward sister she said: “I’m thrilled and excited, it’s such a great opportunity for delivering more care to the communities of Keswick and north Cumbria. The 16 beds means that the staffing model is more sustainable. I’m also very pleased that we are able to keep the hospital fully opened throughout the works. The extension will mean that the ward will increase in capacity, there will also be some general upgrades to other parts of the hospital and the car park will be extended as well.”

A spokesperson for the Friends of Keswick Hospital, a registered charity said:

“We are delighted that at last the alterations and extensions to increase the bed capacity has finally started. The Friends are likely to make a contribution towards the cost of the build from our reserves and we have already received a commitment from The Rotary Club of Keswick to provide a four figure donation. We would like to pay tribute to the enormous community effort that has enabled us to get this far and we are indebted to the local community for all their support.”

Paul Harding is the contracts manager for the construction company Postlethwaites who will be building the extension. He said: “It’s a really exciting project to be involved with and it’s always nice to be working in the local area again. We will be reusing the stone of the current building so the new build will be in keeping with the rest of the hospital. The work will be undertaken in three phases to ensure that the hospital and all the services that are provided from it will be able to be continued with the minimal amount of disruption. We aim to be finished by May 2019.”

The work at Keswick is the latest phase of the work that is being undertaken across the north’s community hospitals to ensure that the right care is provided for local communities.

In spring 2019 work will also begin on developing Brampton War Memorial Hospital. The work will increase the number of beds to 16 and  also modernise the ward to bring it up to date and to vastly improve the patient experience there. The extent of the modernisation of the hospital at Brampton would not be possible if it weren’t for the kindness of the local charity The Friends of Brampton Hospital who are contributing significant funds to the project.

John Holland who is Chairman of the charity said:

“Friends of Brampton Hospital are delighted to confirm that they are to make a £250,000 contribution to the improvements planned for the hospital. After much past uncertainty, we now have confidence that the future of the building is assured, and that it will form a key part of the Brampton and Longtown Integrated Care Community.  We’d like to say a big “Thank You” to all the local people who have contributed to our funds so generously over the years.  We shall continue to ensure that the hospital, and the local community, are well supplied with whatever is needed to foster continued good health and wellbeing.”

The work at Brampton is expected to be completed by summer 2019.