The Breast Screening department at West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven has moved into their new purpose built facility within the hospital as part of the ongoing redevelopment work.
Kim Leslie, breast screening radiographer, said: “We’re really happy with the department, it’s fantastic. We’ve been involved in the design and development of the department, it’s much brighter and offers much more privacy and dignity for our patients.
“We’ve also got some new equipment, bought with money the people of west Cumbria have donated, so we’re able to offer stereotactic biopsy and 3D imaging for the first time. This will speed up diagnosis and mean fewer women travelling to Carlisle for tests.”
Ann Cartmell, clinical nurse specialist, added: “We’re delighted with our new home. The work that has gone into it from all the staff here has been amazing. It’s been designed around our patients and we have more clinic rooms, which are dedicated rooms , and should make a huge difference to staff and patients alike.”
The department’s new home marks the completion of phase 1b of the extensive redevelopment work taking place at West Cumberland Hospital. The £90m phase 1 was completed in October 2015 with the opening of the new hospital building.
Phase 1b has included the redevelopment of Cardiology and Vascular services as well as the Breast Screening unit at the hospital. Outline business cases are currently in development for further phases of the redevelopment work at West Cumberland Hospital including the demolition of the old hospital buildings and plans to provide more accommodation and academic facilities in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
