Longridge Community Hospital in-patient ward - latest update

Last year, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) took the decision to temporarily relocate Longridge Ward at Longridge Community Hospital, to the ground floor with a reduction from 15 to five beds due to fire safety concerns. Further inspections later determined the need for a full temporary relocation of inpatient beds to allow for safe evacuation of frail and older patients, and our staff, should the need arise.

Working together with colleagues at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTHTR) we were able to find alternative provision in just five weeks at Chorley Hospital on Cuerden Ward. Longridge@Cuerden opened on 28 December 2025 with 15 beds. This service provides care for people across the whole of central Lancashire and here we have been able to welcome new patients, still offering the same excellent care by the same clinical colleagues who worked at Longridge.

Since the move to Cuerden, the ICB has been exploring the estate changes required while working in line with the fire safety concerns. Any future decisions will be carried out with our community, patients and colleagues and will be subject to a full and thorough engagement process, led by the ICB to ensure this service is fit for the future.

Any public statements will continue to be published here on our website and on the LSCFT website - News :: Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.