News from the ICB

Public invited to have their say on two proposed new hospitals in Lancashire.

"Following the recent announcement of the locations of two new potential sites for brand new hospitals to replace Royal Prestion Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary, which are being delivered through the Government's New Hospital Programme, the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria is inviting members of the public to have their say on the proposed sites. 

To ensure we hear from as many people as possible in our communities, the NHS has also teamed up with our local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector organisations to hold a range of listening events, roadshows and focus groups between February and March 2025. 

A series of public events and a survey will allow people to provide feedback on what these new hospital facilities could mean for them and how the proposed locations may impact them, both positively and negatively. 

Our engagement events aim to ensure that pateints, NHS colleagues, local residents, MP's, local authorities, wider partner organisations, and other stakeholders have the opportunity to share their inital views on the proposed sites and how these align with our vision for health and care. The insight that we gather through these events will help support delivering our acute clinical vision in addition to designing hospitals that meet the needs of our future population in a sustainable and affordable way. 

During the NHS engagement events, clinicians and senior leaders will be present to share detailed information about the proposals, including travel and transport considertations, and offer opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share feedback. 

The events are open to everyone, so if you live or work in the area, come along and have your say, to ensure that the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria hears from as many people as possible regarding the impact that the proposed sites would have for our communities. 

To ensure that we are inclusive of the people that are unable to come to our engagement events, a survey is available online, by post and over the phone. 

The survey is open to both members of the public and NHS colleagues and partners; you can complete the online survey using the button below."

Have your say on proposals for new hospitals on new sites at one of the upcoming NHS events:

• Monday 3 February 2025, from 5.30pm to 7pm, Lancaster Town Hall
• Wednesday 5 February 2025, from 5.45pm to 7.15pm, Chorley Football Club
• Wednesday 12 February 2025, from 5.30pm to 7pm, Morecambe Football Club
• Friday 14 February 2025, from 10am to 11.30am, Preston Grasshoppers
• Wednesday 19 February 2025, from 5.30pm to 7pm, The Forum, Barrow
• Monday 3 March 2025, from 5.30pm to 7pm, Farington Lodge
• Saturday 8 March 2025, from 2pm to 3.30pm, Cotton Court, Preston
• Friday 14 March 2025, from 10am to 11.30am, Lancaster University
• Thursday 20 March 2025, from 10am to 11.30am, Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal.

The upcoming sessions are a great chance for the VCFSE sector to help shape the future of healthcare in Lancashire and South Cumbria. We’re encouraging all voluntary organisations to get involved and share their views.

Join the listening events, roadshows, or focus groups to give feedback on the proposed new hospital sites and what they mean for our communities.

Kevin Lavery, Chief Executive of NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said:

“This is your chance to help shape the future of healthcare in Lancashire and South Cumbria. We are eager to hear your thoughts on the proposed sites, how they could affect you, and any concerns or suggestions you may have.

“Two new hospitals on new sites are an exciting prospect, but no final decisions have been made. Your feedback is vital as we continue to refine our proposals and ensure we are meeting the needs of our diverse communities.”

Professor Silas Nicholls, Chief Executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“This phase of public engagement is crucial in ensuring the replacement for Royal Preston Hospital meets the needs of our local communities. We want to hear from everyone who may be affected by the proposed move to a new location. This includes residents of Preston and surrounding areas, but also many more people who depend on Royal Preston Hospital for major trauma care and specialist services.

“We have already received feedback on topics including transport and access to the site, and we continue to listen. Your voice will help shape a hospital that meets the needs of the future population in a sustainable and affordable way.”

Aaron Cummins, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“This is another step forward in our journey to delivering a brand new hospital to replace the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, along with improvements to Furness General Hospital’s existing site. Although the opening date for a new hospital is several years away, we need to hear from people now to ensure we get it right. 

“Please do get involved with our survey and come along to our events. The input we receive from the public will play a vital role in shaping the future hospital facilities that will serve our local communities for years to come and in a brand-new environment."