A £15 MILLION scheme to replace out-of-date Ulverston Hospital has been given the official go-ahead.

Bosses at Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust and the Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust have been given final approval by NHS North West chiefs.

The major construction works are due to take place at Ulverston Hospital and Furness General Hospital, in Barrow, over the next three to four years.

The long-awaited scheme will include a new Primary Care Resource Centre and a 20-bed unit for elderly mentally ill people on the existing Ulverston Hospital site, and phased demolition of the Victorian buildings.

Changes at Furness will include a new continuing care ward, an EMI day hospital, plus other major remodelling and refurbishment works.