A REFURBISHMENT and ‘complete overhaul’ of a mental heath ward in Kendal is now under way.

The new Kentmere ward at Westmorland General Hospital will boast recreation space, 12 en-suite bedrooms and an ‘improved light, airy environment’ when it reopens.

MP Tim Farron welcomed the move and said there had been a ‘sharp rise’ in people experiencing mental health issues during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kentmere ward closed in April 2020, shortly after the first lockdown began, as it did not have the facilities to provide a ‘Covid-safe’ environment for patients and staff.

The new in-patient facility, set to open in spring 2022, will also feature ‘improved garden and courtyard areas’.

Dormitory-style sleeping arrangements will be scrapped in line with guidelines from the Care Quality Commission, which says patients on psychiatric wards ‘should not be expected to share sleeping accommodation with strangers’.

Richard Chillery, director of operations for The Bay area at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the ward, said: “By providing safe and comfortable environments, we can ensure privacy and dignity for all those using this facility.

“We hope that, by improving our facilities, we can help to empower and encourage individuals to strive to reach their full recovery.

“We are working to complete the refurbishment by late-spring 2022.”

Mr Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, described the announcement as ‘absolutely fantastic news’.

He said: “I know from the mental health survey we ran a few months ago and from my regular advice surgeries that there has been a sharp rise in the number of people experiencing mental health issues during the pandemic, so it’s hugely important that the best possible support and treatment is available.”