West Cumberland Hospital reopens following £90m revamp

The hospital's new accident and emergency department opened earlier

A hospital which has undergone a £90m refurbishment has opened in Cumbria.

Large parts of the existing West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven were bulldozed and rebuilt, with others completely refurbished - leading to some services being moved.

A protest was held by the We Need West Cumberland Hospital group during an open day at the site last month over concerns about the loss of services.

The trust said some services had now opened including the new A&E unit.

Other wards and departments will be transferred throughout the week.

The open day held on 24 September attracted about 200 visitors, as well as a protest by the We Need West Cumberland Hospital group

Trauma and cardiac services have now been moved to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, while others are under review.

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust said moving services elsewhere has led to fewer deaths.

The organisation is in special measures after being criticised over mortality rates, staffing levels and standards of care.