Members of the public are being invited to have their say on the proposed site for a new hospital for Lancaster.
The new hospital to replace the Royal Lancaster Infirmary is being earmarked for land at Bailrigg East close to Lancaster University, it was announced in December, to be delivered through the Government’s New Hospitals Programme.
Following the announcement last month that University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have secured land to build new hospitals to replace both the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Royal Preston Hospital respectively, a series of public engagement events have been lined up to gather feedback and insights from local communities.
The aim is to ensure that patients, NHS staff, local residents, MPs, local authorities, wider partner organisations, and other stakeholders have the opportunity to share their initial views on the proposed sites.
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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.
You can have your say local 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 12 February 2025, from 5.30pm to 7pm, Morecambe Football Club
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 NHS has also teamed up with two 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. Healthwatch Together, a partnership which champions the views of people in relation to their local health services, will be delivering some of these events along with Inclusive North, an organisation which aims to address inequalities among minority ethnic groups and other disadvantaged members of society.
The public events will provide detailed information about the proposals, including travel and transport considerations, and offer opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share feedback.
An NHS survey will be made available online, by post and over the phone. In addition, market research will be carried out on behalf of the local NHS to survey local people about their views.
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.”
Aaron Cummins, (pictured above), 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."
Feedback gathered during this phase will inform the next steps of the two local New Hospital Programme schemes, ahead of later formal public consultation.
While the land has been acquired for the two proposed sites, the NHS remains open to alternative suggestions, which will undergo the same comprehensive assessment process.
The two new hospitals are part of a wider programme of work that is considering how clinical services are configured across all acute hospital sites in Lancashire and South Cumbria to meet the needs of the population in the future in a way that makes the best use of all available resources, with the aim of supporting our communities, bringing jobs, skills and contracts to local businesses and residents.
For more information about the upcoming events and activities, proposed hospital sites, and how to get involved and take part in the survey, visit https://newhospitals.info
Read more: Site earmarked for 'game-changing' new Lancaster hospital is revealed - Beyond Radio
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