Longridge Hospital site update

Update from Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

It has been a few weeks since our last public update published on 9 January 2026, and so we wanted to provide some further information on the temporary situation affecting Longridge Hospital.

As you will be aware, last year, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) took the decision to temporarily relocate Longridge Ward to the ground floor and as a result, reduce to five beds from the previous fifteen, due to fire safety measures. This was to allow for safe evacuation of frail and older patients, and our staff, should the need arise.

Unfortunately, a further inspection of the building in November 2025 resulted in some additional fire safety issues being identified which then meant that in conjunction with our colleagues at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) - who oversee care and commissioning of NHS services in the area - the decision was taken to temporarily close the ward. However, working closely with our 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. This opened on 28 December 2025.

Not only were we able to increase the number of patient beds back up to 15, we have also been able to welcome new patients, still offering the same excellent care by the same nursing colleagues who worked at Longridge. Other patients have been discharged back to their homes and families, and into community care, with support from appropriate services and partners.

Some initial verbal feedback from patients and families has been positive and we are really pleased that we have been able to support and care for those who need it, across Central Lancashire.

While the affected inpatient ward remains temporarily closed at Longridge, we would like to remind people that the clinic facilities and the hospital in general remains open for the outpatient and community services it provides. This means that people are continuing to attend clinic appointments within the building and staff are still delivering care, so will be coming and going as required. We want them to continue to be able to do this as safely and comfortably as normal.

What is the future of Longridge Hospital?

At present, the NHS is exploring what is possible in line with the fire safety concerns which were previously identified, any potential timescales for such and also the possible cost impact, while considering best value for taxpayers’ money and that patients have access to the services they need in a safe and appropriate location. This will take some time.

We know the depth of feeling about the facility in the local community, its impact and the pride local people take in this hospital, as well as those who work there but we must reiterate that the safety of our patients and colleagues will always be our utmost priority.  

We aim to keep you updated as often as we can, as we have done previously, whilst the exploratory work progresses.

Any public statements will continue to be published on the ICB website www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk and also the LSCFT website www.lscft.nhs.uk.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.