Prospects for reopening 24-hour A&E at Chorley Hospital under consideration
Feasibility study supports the possibility of restoring round-the-clock service
The government has revealed that consideration is being given to reopening the accident and emergency department at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital 24 hours a day.
Health Secretary James Murray highlighted during a Commons session that Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTH) had conducted a "feasibility study" into the possibility of reinstating a 24-hour service.
The A&E department last operated around the clock over a decade ago before staffing shortages forced closure in April 2016, later reopening part-time in January 2017.
Public, staff, local NHS Trusts, and neighbouring hospitals support the idea of a full-time emergency department, according to South Ribble's Labour MP, Paul Foster.
Paul Foster queried why NHS England had not reinstated the full service, urging ministers to meet with stakeholders.
James Murray replied: "I welcome the fact that the trust has completed a feasibility study and concluded that there is an evidence-based case to explore extending to a 24-hour emergency department. This work is now being developed with the ICB Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board and I look forward very much to seeing those proposals progress."
NHS England denied being a roadblock, indicating no formal proposal had been submitted for assessment.
MP Paul Foster acknowledged the positive response but noted that the resumption of a full-time A&E service was not guaranteed.
Speaker of the Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, voiced support for a 24-hour provision, emphasising its importance for the local population.
NHS England remains committed to ensuring access to safe, high-quality emergency care across Lancashire.
A spokesperson stated: "NHS England is not blocking any proposals relating to Chorley and South Ribble A&E. Should a formal proposal come forward, it will be assessed through the established reconfiguration process."
Further comments from LTH and the ICB were pending publication at the time of this article.
Background on A&E Closure
Chorley's 24-hour A&E was shut abruptly in 2016 due to a shortfall in middle-grade doctors.
Reopened part-time in 2017, discussions over long-term viability grew, including public engagement events in Central Lancashire.
In 2019, medics deemed the 24-hour facility unviable, prompting consideration of alternatives, until the pandemic redirected emergency care to Royal Preston.
The discussion revived in 2020 with a directive to explore the unit's future as part of broader healthcare planning, including a new Royal Preston expected to be in proximity to Chorley.