Lancashire NHS leader questioned on new hospital site amid public concerns
Preston: A Lancashire NHS leader is in hot water after admitting he’s unsure how the health service would react if locals opposed moving the hospital. The preferred site for the new Royal Preston was shared last month, and it’s located off Stanifield Lane in Farington, which is quite a trek from the current hospital in Fulwood.
They’re planning to kick off a public engagement exercise soon to gather opinions on this new location. But, before any decisions are made, a formal consultation will follow. If everything goes according to plan, the new hospital could be ready in about ten years.
However, some councillors are raising eyebrows. One asked what would happen if the community said “no” to the move. Another pointed out that calling it the “Royal Preston” when it’s outside the city doesn’t sit right with residents.
Zafar Coupland, a health cabinet member, highlighted that people with health issues need easy access to facilities. He stressed that if the community prefers the current setup, will their voices be heard? It’s a fair question.
Steve Canty, who’s involved in the New Hospitals Programme, admitted he couldn’t really answer that tough question. He mentioned that the current hospitals are facing significant challenges, especially with maintenance costs piling up.
The Royal Preston is getting old, and the maintenance backlog is estimated at a whopping £157 million. That’s a lot of cash! Meanwhile, another councillor, Jennifer Mein, challenged the terminology being used. She pointed out that calling the new site a “preferred location” doesn’t reflect what residents think.
Mr. Bennett, the system lead, acknowledged that the new facility would replace the current Royal but agreed that how they describe it matters to the community.
He also addressed concerns about access to the new site, which is near where an IKEA was once planned. He assured everyone that they’re trying to find a location that can support a modern hospital and the necessary infrastructure.
But here’s the kicker: the NHS is still open to considering other locations if they find something better. They even have an exit strategy if the new site doesn’t work out.
Jane Kenny, a lead nurse, mentioned that the upcoming engagement process is a chance for everyone to voice their concerns. But she also noted that a lot of groundwork has already been done to understand the impact of the proposed site.
Another councillor, Martin Gawith, pointed out that while public consultation is great, it often favors wealthier communities. He stressed the need to ensure all voices are heard, not just those with the best resources.
As for the new Royal Lancaster Infirmary, it’s only moving a couple of miles from its current spot. It’ll be built on land near Lancaster University’s Health Innovation Campus.
Steve Canty emphasized the importance of bringing health services closer to communities, suggesting that hospitals shouldn’t be the only option for accessing care.
Cllr Coupland added that while people understand that medical centers will be spread out, they still want a central hospital for comprehensive care.
County Cllr Mein expressed her frustration about the lack of funding for a city center health hub in Preston, fearing that the new hospital might be developed in isolation.
Andrew Bennett mentioned that convincing people to relocate services would require presenting the new hospital as part of a connected care model.
Both Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown and MP Sir Mark Hendrick have previously discussed the idea of a centrally-located health hub, suggesting it should be developed alongside the new Royal Preston.
It’s a lot to unpack, and the community’s voice will be crucial in shaping the future of healthcare in Preston.
