WE shared the news that building work is underway on a new £15 million endoscopy unit at the Cumberland Infirmary which will help to reduce waiting lists and improve timely diagnosis for cancer.

Clinical leaders and construction partners gathered on Wednesday morning to celebrate the start of the work which is anticipated to be finished by March 2025. 

The unit will enable patients to be seen more locally in Carlisle instead of Newcastle as well as provide better access to endoscopy services. 

Excavation of the original site is now complete and retaining wall structure are beginning to go up.

Here's what readers thought.

Jason Brewer said: "Nice to see some light at the end of the tunnel," and Lena Mcallister said: "Thank goodness, with so much increased housing in Carlisle, it definitely needs an increase in the size of the hospital."

Tracy Ward said: "Great to see the continued investment in our health. So important."

Other readers, such as Gail Jackson, were concerned about 'limited' parking at the site.

One web user said: "Great news, but on a trivial note will reduce visitor parking even further."

Michelle Johnson also said the news was 'great to hear'.