STAFF and patients at West Cumberland Hospital have been moving into the new part of the site. 

This week has been a transition period for staff and patients as they move into the new unit which comprises four wards. 

The wards consist of a stroke rehabilitation ward, The Copeland Ward, The Loweswater Ward for palliative care, an elderly care ward, and a children's unit. 

This is part of a £40 million redevelopment at the West Cumberland Hospital site. 

A practitioner from the children's ward has spoken about the moves this week. 

Nichola Hewitson, advanced clinical practitioner in the children and young people’s ward said: “It’s been a really busy day, but we’ve really pulled together as a team today to make the move as seamless as possible.”

“Patients have said that the new ward is more private, and brighter, and also, they love the artwork on the walls. There have been lots of smiles today and we’re happy to be moving across.”

The children's ward has a range of new facilities including specialist rooms where parents can share a room with their children. 

There is also a new kitchen and lounge area for parents spending long periods at the hospital. 

Elsewhere on the unit, there is an outdoor Challenge Path of varying difficulty to help stroke patients regain some of their mobility. 

Outside there is an area where patients receiving end-of-life care can spend quality time with their friends and family, which accommodates wheelchairs and beds.