THE trust that runs hospitals around Morecambe Bay has continued to make 'good progress' with its £900,000 refurbishment project.

They say patients have given 'the thumbs up' to work carried out on Westmorland General Hospital, Furness General Hospital and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

The work includes two new 2Go cafes at Lancaster and Kendal and improvements to the reception area at Furness.

“I think the 2Go cafes are really good and a wonderful improvement,” said Madelon Gilpin of Burton Road, Kendal.

Ann Philbin of Sandylands, Kendal, added: “It’s great – the coffee is lovely and the environment is super.”

The work has been carried out as part of 'Projects Kendal, Barrow and Lancaster', which began in 2012.

Patients, members of the public, staff and governors all put their ideas forward for ways to improve the patient environment at all sites operated by the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust.

The Trust pledged £300,000 per year for three years to the schemes and prioritised them to ensure that the public’s views were listened to.

Schemes due for completion soon include:

* Main entrance refurbishment at WGH in bright colours

* New cafe at WGH

* Outpatient reception refurbishment at WGH

* Better-lit enquiries desk at RLI

* Refurbished seating at RLI

* New maternity reception area at FGH, including new flooring and lighting

Juliet Walters, Chief Operating Officer for the trust, said: “The public asked us to improve the areas, and we have listened.

"The feedback we have received on those schemes that have been completed has been fantastic and we hope those that are due for completion will be equally well-received.

“Listening to patients and the public is vital as we continue our work to provide high quality care – and the environment that we provide that care needs to be high quality as well."