The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has stated its preference for a new hospital in a new location for Royal Preston Hospital (RPH).

This comes as part of the New Hospitals Programme, which plans to develop cutting-edge facilities, offering the best in modern healthcare and addressing significant problems with the current ageing hospital buildings.

Read more: Preston residents invited to have their say at New Hospitals Programme roadshow

In March 2022, RPH was among shortlisted proposals for significant redevelopment, recent plans reveal a new build for the hospital on a new site would be within around a 10-mile radius of the current site.

The preferred option is expected to bring significant health and care system wide benefits.

Read more: Lancashire super hospital plan scrapped as Royal Preston Hospital future question continues

It would fully address the ‘Case for Change’, improve care for patients with more single en-suite rooms, improve the work environment for staff, meet environmental commitments, such as Net Zero Carbon, and maximise the wider socio-economic potential.

The Programme’s alternative option for RPH is an improved Royal Preston Hospital on the current site to include a new urgent and emergency care village, together with replacement of some inpatient facilities for non-elective medical and surgical patients, and the replacement of nine theatres and diagnostic facilities.

In the alternative option an urgent and emergency care village for RPH would contain a range of departments focused on delivering urgent healthcare needs – for example, emergency department (A&E), assessment units, diagnostics and radiology, rapid assessment, same day treatment centre, paediatric care, and ambulance facilities.

Read more: Preston woman releases inspiring collection of children’s books on disabilities and differences 

Kevin McGee OBE, Chief Executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: 
“Our New Hospitals Programme is progressing at pace, and we are excited by the opportunities it represents for the people of Lancashire and South Cumbria.

“Whilst all options would bring much welcome investment and enable significant improvements in patient care, new hospitals on new sites would be truly transformational, giving us the freedom to design our services and facilities around the needs of our patients, rather than the confines of existing sites, future-proofing services for the next generation.”

Aaron Cummins, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“The reason I’m so excited, particularly as the Chief Executive at UHMBT, is that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, it’s a legacy opportunity to bring new facilities and much needed investment into our patch.

Read more: M6 J32-33 roadworks to see overnight closures and lane closures

“It will also mean that we’re able to resolve quality and safety issues and patient experience issues permanently for our populations.”

Jerry Hawker, Senior Responsible Officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals Programme, said:
“We are hugely grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their views on proposals for new hospital facilities. Your feedback has helped inform the process so far. Please continue to get involved and have your say.”

The leader of Preston City Council councillor Matthew Brown made it clear which option he supports.

The detail behind each option will continue to be expanded and refined as further work on the shortlist progresses and the required business cases are developed.

Work is underway to assess the viability of potential locations for a new hospital build for Royal Preston Hospital

No final decisions have been made and the New Hospitals Programme team will continue to involve patients, local people, staff and wider stakeholders in the development of proposals.

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines