The Princess Royal has officially opened the new £40m facilities at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.
Princess Anne is patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and chatted to patients and occupational therapy staff from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust about the new facilities.
Accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant Alexander Scott, she met with the trust’s chair Steven Morgan and chief executive Lyn Simpson.
Joni Mitchell, the trust’s head of occupational therapy, escorted The Princess Royal as she met with occupational therapists who have been developing an improved pathway to support patients rehabilitate and recover from a stroke. She met with patients undergoing therapy in the facilities that are part of the new investment.
The new facilities include a therapy gym, a courtyard with access to a challenge path and a kitchen to prepare patients for returning home after a stay in hospital.
She was also introduced to the trust’s first occupational therapy apprentices, as well as University of Cumbria OT students on leadership placements, as she heard about the trust’s work to build a more sustainable occupational therapy workforce in the future.
Her Royal Highness unveiled the plaque and was invited to sign the visitor book which had previously been signed by The Queen Mother when she first opened West Cumberland Hospital in 1964 and King Charles III when he visited the hospital in 2010.
Dr Sarah Elliott, associate director of AHPs at the trust said: “We hope we have demonstrated that despite the geographical challenges of being a diverse rural and coastal organisation, that NCIC continues to develop and innovate evidence-based practice allowing individuals to start well, live well and age well.
“We hope that we have demonstrated to you the sense of real pride our community and colleagues feel for the outstanding services we provide an how much we appreciate your support.”
The ceremony was watched by representatives from the other wards that are part of the building along with trust’s estates, design and construction partners.
Steven Morgan, chair of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that the Princess Royal, as patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, has officially opened this fantastic new facility in Whitehaven.
“It’s a great step forward and will benefit the residents of West Cumbria for years to come. I was pleased to hear about the vital role that occupational therapists play in our patient’s recovery and the innovative practice they are developing to make that a reality.”
Steve Ford, chief executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: “Today, at West Cumberland Hospital, we’ve seen a truly excellent example of the achievements and value of occupational therapy in the integrated delivery of health and community care.
“The teams here are working across acute and community services to improve the quality of patient care. It means they’re preventing often lengthy hospital admissions, and reducing pressure on services.
“They have shown us how, within integrated health and care systems, occupational therapists can deliver better outcomes, reduce strain on health and social care resources, and create a more sustainable system for all.”
