New A&E entrance and waiting room to open
BBCA new waiting room and entrance to an accident and emergency (A&E) department is set to open.
Since April last year, patients have been accessing the department at Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary through the main atrium entrance while building work was going on.
The A&E entrance is due to switch back to its former location at the side of the hospital, close to the ambulance bays, on Wednesday.
Dr Claire Gray said it marked the next stage of progression ahead of the new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) opening to patients in spring.
Gray said the UTC, which aims to address overcrowding, would provide 12 consultation rooms.
In 2025 the emergency department had 78,300 people attend, the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said.
The trust said that was "more than two and half times its original capacity so we are delighted that we will be expanding the space we have".
"Until the UTC opens in spring, we will continue to redirect patients to the most appropriate service for them if their condition is not an emergency," it added.
Volunteers would be on hand to help patients with directions, the trust said.
