Hearse parked outside Longridge Community Hospital in message to NHS bosses as new safety concerns shut ward

On social media, the independent, family-owned business said: “This hospital cares for the most vulnerable in our community. The support this hospital and it’s staff give to the sick, those at the end of life and their families is invaluable.”

A blunt message to NHS bosses from the town of Longridge Pic: William Houghton Funeral Directors

Only last month Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis said she had received assurances that the hospital would be back to full capacity next year but a sudden closure has instead happened and the next steps are now unclear.

Responding to the latest development, Ms Ellis said she is disappointed in the delay and that an empty ward at Royal Preston Hospital will instead be used for the next six months.

She said: “I will be writing to various bodies next week to ensure that NHS Property Services are held to account to bring Longridge Community Hospital back in service as soon as feasibly possible.

“I stood on a manifesto that put neighbourhood care at the centre of health care, and Longridge Community Hospital is a true example of that. I will be doing everything I can to push the NHS to reopen ASAP.”

Meanwhile, the GP partners at Stonbridge Surgery have also issued a statement on the closure. Dr’s Taylor, Mason and Wareing said: “Stonebridge surgery GP’s and staff are extremely concerned and disappointed at the sudden closure and loss of of this valuable service to our patients and the local community.

“We would like to point out also that we have not been invited to or involved in any of the discussions about this closure.”

Explaining the decision as LSCFT spokesperson said the initial reduction in bed numbers was for “fire safety measures for safe evacuation of frail and older patients in this unit”

They continued: “Safety is a key priority for the Trust (LCSFT) and there is a continual programme of estates work in place to always ensure safety first. Due to further inspections from NHS Property Services, and advice from the Trust fire officer, it is with regret, that the Trust, with support from Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has taken the decision to temporarily close the remaining five inpatient beds at Longridge Hospital to ensure ongoing safety for our patients and colleagues.

“Working closely with their families, patients who require ongoing care have been transferred to alternative facilities. Colleagues have been made aware of the decision, and we are working with them on the next steps.

“The Trust will no longer be able to accept referrals into the Longridge inpatient ward and primary care partners have been made aware of the temporary closure. Clinics onsite at Longridge Hospital will continue and remain safe until we are advised otherwise.”

“We are working together to now identify alternative accommodation for future patients who require the services that this hospital delivers for the local community.

“We understand that this decision will be disappointing for the community and our colleagues as Longridge has long been a valued community hospital. Safety must always remain our priority. We will provide updates on the next steps as soon as we are able.”

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