A celebration event has been held at Keswick hospital to mark the completion of the building works to extend the inpatient ward.
A new four bedded ward has been built as an extension to the old ward area and it increases the number of beds in the unit from 12 to 16.
The work took around eight months to complete and cost around £610,000 of which the League of Friends contributed a substantial amount from their funds. It was designed with the input of the ward staff.
Julie Viney ward manager said:
“We are very pleased with the new ward as it is a bright and airy space with individual televisions for patients and feedback from staff, patients and families has all been very positive.
“We are also incredibly grateful to the League of Friends for their financial contribution and for their ongoing support for the whole hospital.”
Mike Bulman, Chair of the League of Friends said:
“Over the last 25 years we have gone through a lot but now have facilities that are second to none in the county. I want to thank all staff members from right across the hospital site, the builders who have done a tremendous job and the Trust.
“In Keswick we have a tremendous community spirit and our community fully supports the hospital. Now we want to ensure that our wonderful team can continue with an ambitious future.”
The hospital kitchen has also been refurbished meaning that the cooks, who are renowned in the hospital for their skills, have a much improved area to work their culinary magic.
Michael Smillie, director of finance, estates and people explained what patients had told him about the new ward and said a special thank you to one particular member of staff:
“This new development is testament to the long term commitment that the Trust has to this hospital. When I have spoken to the patients on the ward the thing that struck me the most was how delighted they were with the ward. The patients really do like the space and of course the first rate care all our staff provide. I’m very impressed by the facilities and the staff here.
“We very much appreciate the League of Friends donations who have financially contributed to the build along with Government funding and money from the Trust’s charitable funds. I also want to thank the staff and all those behind the scenes that have been engaged in this. There is one person in particular who deserves a special mention. She exemplifies everything about the hospital, the community spirit, the family atmosphere and the care that our staff have. That is Sue Robinson who leads the catering team and has been at the hospital for 40 years this year.”
Sue has led the catering team at the hospital for longer than many other staff have been there. She is extremely proud of the work she and her team do and although not willing to give a speech herself she was incredibly grateful for the acknowledgment of her commitment at the opening event. Julie Viney presented Sue with a lovely bunch of flowers from the staff to mark her 40 years.
There are currently vacancies at Keswick hospital and if you would like to know more about joining the team please look on our careers pages of our website www.ncic.nhs.uk/careers search for Keswick on NHS Jobs.
