Westmorland General Hospital’s new surgical hub has been given glowing reviews by patients.
The hub is for planned operations and is separate from emergency theatres and aims to increase capacity for planned care with more operating theatres and beds.
Since it opened in March 2025, the surgical hub has carried out 6,376 operations across all its five theatres.
It has also doubled in size and has a new four-storey extension, two brand new theatres, three refurbished operating theatres, a large new plant room with high-tech air handling systems, an expanded operating theatres recovery area and ultra clean canopy technology for infection prevention in all theatres as well as new clinical rooms and support spaces.
A total of £15 million has been invested into the hub, which is run by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.
Patients receiving treatment at the new hub have since spoken highly of the care, facilities and staff, with several highly recommending the service to others.
Dawn Dewhirst, who works in an Orthodontics practice and lives in Kendal, recently underwent a full knee replacement at the hub and described her experience as outstanding.
Dawn said: “Everyone was really, really lovely, from the anaesthetists to the nurses, the porters and the physios. They were all super. It was clean, bright and organised.
“Even the theatre area was spotless. Everything was checked and explained. I felt safe and reassured throughout.”
Dawn also praised the approach to recovery and discharge
She said: “The staff kept checking I was happy to go home and made sure I was ready. It is a nice hospital. Not too hectic, but busy enough to get things done efficiently.
“I would definitely recommend it to others. I have had other procedures there too and every time it’s been the same – really well run. The ward staff couldn’t do enough for you.
“They were friendly, attentive and always checking in. There was plenty of space and privacy.”
Mark Rose, a firefighter who lives in the Kendal area and is originally from Coventry, also said the surgical hub provided great care.
Mark said: “I’ve been to Westmorland General Hospital more than three times in the last few years and every time it’s been exceptional. The waiting times are incredibly short compared to what I have experienced elsewhere. I had an operation recently after a cancellation. It was a really quick turnaround.
“The staff were great. A nurse stayed with me from the moment I arrived until I left. It was really reassuring to have that one-to-one care. The new facilities are definitely an improvement.
“I’ve worked in the fire service for over 30 years and if I’d had to wait for a long time, it could have ended my career. UHMBT got me seen quickly and helped me get back on track.
“I’d absolutely recommend Westmorland General Hospital to others. The service has been brilliant every time. I’ve already started walking around the house without support, just a few days after surgery.
“That’s a testament to the quality of care I received. I’m hoping to be back at work just after Christmas. The recovery is going well and I’m grateful for how quickly everything was handled.
“I’ve seen a lot in my career and I know good service when I see it. UHMBT has been brilliant every time I’ve needed them.”
Surgical hubs are part of the Government’s plans to increase capacity for planned care with more operating theatres and beds.
They only perform planned surgery and focus on high volume, low complexity surgery across six specialties, which includes ophthalmology, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, ear nose and throat and urology.
The hubs aim to bring together the skills and expertise of staff under one roof, with protected facilities and theatres, in a bid to deliver shorter waits for surgery.
They are separate from emergency services, which allows their surgical beds to be kept free for patients waiting for planned operations and reduces the risk of short-notice cancellations.
The hub is also one of 49 to date that have been accredited by the ‘Get It Right First Time’ programme.
Sabah Munshi, divisional chief medical officer for surgery and critical care in the surgery and families division, UHMBT, said: “We are delighted to hear such heartfelt praise from our patients about the care they have received at our Surgical Hub.
“Their words reflect the dedication and professionalism of our teams. Patients consistently tell us they feel safe, well cared for and supported throughout their time in the Surgical Hub and that is exactly what we strive for every day.”
Sarah Maguire, divisional head of nursing for the surgery and families division, UHMBT, said: “By focusing on high-volume, low-complexity procedures in a dedicated environment, we are able to reduce waiting times, minimise cancellations and provide a smoother, more efficient experience for our patients.
“It is fantastic to see how this is already making a real difference to people’s lives. None of this would be possible without the incredible efforts of our staff.
“Every member of the team has played a vital role in making the Surgical Hub a success. I want to thank them all for their outstanding care and compassion.”
Shawn Anderson, divisional general manager for obstetrics and gynaecology in the surgery and families division, UHMBT, added: “Having a state-of-the-art facility like this in Kendal means patients can access high-quality surgical care closer to home.
“It’s about better outcomes, faster recovery and a more personalised experience. We are excited about the future and committed to continuing to improve the hub and our wider services for the people we serve.”
