01924 498557Cumberland Infirmary- Endoscopy Facility- Carlisle
The new £15m endoscopy unit ha been being built in the grounds of the Cumberland infirmary and opened late Spring of 2025.
The Cumberland Infirmary had only one endoscopy room of a suitable size and two smaller rooms that did not meet national accreditation standards.
The new build includes five clinical rooms that all meet modern standards as well as an outpatients area. The expansion of the service also means patients currently travelling to Newcastle for a procedure can now be seen more locally in Carlisle.
Project- Endoscopy Facility
Client- Ergea
Contract- Design and Build
Value- £8.1M
Project Overview
Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle faced critical pressure to expand its endoscopy services. The existing unit, built in the late 1990s, was significantly undersized at 397m² and no longer met Health Building Note (HBN) standards. With only three procedure rooms—two of which were non-compliant—the facility lacked adequate space for recovery, paediatric care, staff welfare, and training, and was unable to support JAG accreditation or meet the NHS’s six-week diagnostic standard.
Demand for endoscopy procedures had been rising steadily, with further strain following the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Actiform delivered a new off-site manufactured five-room endoscopy unit, providing the space and functionality required to meet current and future clinical needs. The new facility supports the introduction of advanced procedures, aligns with NHS long-term planning, and significantly improves patient access across North Cumbria.
Innovation
Green roof and Staff Terrace areas
Stand out building – showcasing MMC’s capacity to provide architecturally, aesthetic structures. There has been no compromise of the Architects original design based on traditional construction methods
Energy efficient HVAC utilizing solar panels, heat recovery and exceptional thermal efficiency
Extensive use of timber structural members embodies carbon and contributes to the building’s low carbon impact
Environmental
The project has achieved BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) accreditation, which demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and environmental performance. This certification ensures that the building meets rigorous standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, materials sourcing, and overall environmental impact, making it a leader in sustainable construction practices.
Social Value
The new endoscopy unit addresses the rising demand for diagnostic procedures, particularly in response to growing waiting times and pressure on existing services. By expanding local healthcare facilities, it enhances both the accessibility and quality of care for patients, especially in North Cumbria, where healthcare services are already under significant strain.
The facility also aims to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances, such as to Newcastle, for procedures, providing more localised care in Carlisle. This is particularly crucial for those in rural or geographically isolated areas, improving their access to essential medical treatments.
The new endoscopy unit will adhere to modern healthcare standards, addressing key issues such as room size, patient privacy, and the provision of adequate training facilities. It aligns with the NHS Long-Term Plan and ensures the unit meets JAG accreditation standards, ultimately enhancing both service quality and patient care.
The expansion will accommodate a broader range of patients, including children, and address gender-specific needs, as well as the segregation of patients in the recovery area. The project will also improve pre-assessment facilities and administrative support, further enhancing the overall patient experience.
The project was also recognised for its commitment to high standards of safety, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, earning the Considerate Contractor Award with an impressive score of 42 out of 45.