Longridge Hospital Ward Closure Sparks Protest

Community members in Longridge are actively protesting the temporary closure of their community hospital's inpatient recovery ward. The ward was shut down last year, with authorities citing fire safety issues as the reason. This closure has led to the relocation of inpatient services to Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, approximately 15 miles away. This move has raised concerns among residents about accessibility, especially for those dependent on public transportation, as the journey involves multiple buses and considerable travel time.

Organizers of the protest express worries that the closure is a precursor to the complete shutdown of the hospital. They note that several other services, including district nurses, social workers, and various clinics, have already been removed. Despite these concerns, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust has stated that they are actively exploring options to address the fire safety issues. However, they caution that any potential reopening or resolution will require time, as they must consider cost-effectiveness and ensure patient safety in an appropriate location.