Lancashire NHS Trust issues update on future of Longridge Community Hospital inpatient ward
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust have issued an update regarding the future of the inpatient ward at Longridge Community Hospital.
Authorities say that the NHS is ‘exploring what is possible’ with regards to the future of the facility, with a statement from the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust saying that decisions need to take into account previously-raised fire safety concerns and value for taxpayers’ money, weighed up against patient access to services.
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“At present, the NHS is exploring what is possible in line with the fire safety concerns which were previously identified, any potential timescales for such and also the possible cost impact, while considering best value for taxpayers’ money and that patients have access to the services they need in a safe and appropriate location,” read the statement. “This will take some time.”
Why was the inpatient ward closed?
Last year, the inpatient ward at Longridge Community Hospital was temporarily reduced from 15 beds to five due to fire safety concerns, introduced in case there was a need “to safely evacuate frail and older patients from the first floor of the unit in an emergency”.
Although a programme of works was approved to upgrade the building, further inspections identified wider issues. As a result, NHS partners said a decision was ‘regrettably taken to temporarily close the remaining five inpatient beds at Longridge Hospital to ensure ongoing safety for our patients and colleagues’.
The inpatient beds have temporarily been moved to the Cuerden Ward at Chorley Hospital. An alternative option at Royal Preston Hospital was considered, however it was deemed that the Fell View Ward ‘may require the use of this facility for alternative services very soon due to the pressures that winter brings to acute hospital services’.
What has the local reaction been?
While the hospital itself remains open with outpatient clinics continuing as normal, worried Longridge residents are pressuring authorities to reopen the inpatient ward, explaining that they are concerned people are having to travel to Chorley to visit loved ones, a trip that can involve four buses and four hours, not including visiting time.
The group recently revealed that they are planning a ‘publicity photo’ outside the facility in St Wilfred’s Terrace at 2.30pm on March 11.
In a statement, the NHS trust said: “We know the depth of feeling about the facility in the local community, its impact and the pride local people take in this hospital, as well as those who work there but we must reiterate that the safety of our patients and colleagues will always be our utmost priority.
“We aim to keep you updated as often as we can, as we have done previously, whilst the exploratory work progresses.”
What the Trust say:
“As you will be aware, last year, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) took the decision to temporarily relocate Longridge Ward to the ground floor and as a result, reduce to five beds from the previous fifteen, due to fire safety measures. This was to allow for safe evacuation of frail and older patients, and our staff, should the need arise.
“Unfortunately, a further inspection of the building in November 2025 resulted in some additional fire safety issues being identified which then meant that in conjunction with our colleagues at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) - who oversee care and commissioning of NHS services in the area - the decision was taken to temporarily close the ward.
“However, working closely with our colleagues at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTHTR) we were able to find alternative provision in just five weeks at Chorley Hospital on Cuerden Ward. This opened on 28 December 2025.
“Not only were we able to increase the number of patient beds back up to 15, we have also been able to welcome new patients, still offering the same excellent care by the same nursing colleagues who worked at Longridge.Other patients have been discharged back to their homes and families, and into community care, with support from appropriate services and partners.
“Some initial verbal feedback from patients and families has been positive and we are really pleased that we have been able to support and care for those who need it, across Central Lancashire.
“While the affected inpatient ward remains temporarily closed at Longridge, we would like to remind people that the clinic facilities and the hospital in general remains open for the outpatient and community services it provides.
“This means that people are continuing to attend clinic appointments within the building and staff are still delivering care, so will be coming and going as required. We want them to continue to be able to do this as safely and comfortably as normal.”