'It needs to be accessible': Reaction to plans to replace hospitals in Preston and Lancaster

Boris Johnson announced the project was included in a £3.7bn plan to build 40 hospitals around the country - and is earmarked for completion by the end of the decade.

Local NHS chiefs are now working on options that will go out for public consultation before a final decision is made - with the possibility of replacing the two facilities with either one or two new hospitals being considered.

Investment in services in Lancashire has been welcomed but some have voiced concerns about the impact on patient journey times, particularly if the idea of a so called single 'super-hospital' for Preston and Lancaster is chosen.

Here's what readers had to say on the news:

No. We need smaller A&E depts in more towns. We don’t need a huge hospital for a bout of sickness or even a broken arm. We need smaller facilities with an easy transport network to a critical care centre such as RPH for more serious incidents. We have most of the buildings already in a good few areas that could be repurposed easily enough. Martyn Proctor

If they build this in Preston what about people who live in Lancaster like myself? A bit far to go and what if someone suffers a heart attack? They say every minute counts but if we're having to travel 25 miles deaths will go up. Jason Elliston

Leave Royal Preston where it is. I thought the plan was to build new hospitals, not get rid of existing hospitals and build new ones. Nicola Telford

How about considering the people who have to travel to the new hospital? What is wrong with Royal Preston Hospital? Just update it. I thought the government said there was no spare money. Gladys West

The last thing you want to do if you’re not well for whatever reason is a long trek on a motorway! Keep hospitals near local public transport routes! Lisa Walmsley

I think they should keep it where it is. What is wrong with the hospital now? Tracy Michelle Farrell

I think it should be built on the land that was going to be Ikea etc near the end of the M65. Plenty of space for parking and lots of cycles routes near by and easy motorway access for quicker times to North Preston rather then going through Preston city centre. Daniel James

Its got to be around Redscar area. Lots of space. Close to motorway. Helipad can be used without problems. I'm surprised the emergency services haven't gone there too. Paul Rowe

They need to look at the bigger picture.It needs to be easily accessible to everyone. Loraine Beavers Parr

I spent two weeks in one of these super hospitals in Bristol after a serious accident, then got transferred to RPH. It was like going from a luxury hotel to Pontins. However the actual bed and technology were a lot better. I say build this new hospital soon, two if necessary. Owen Horton