Councillor Alleges NHS Trust Deliberately Neglected Hospital Leading to Closure

Two councillors have asserted that a community hospital is slated for closure due to its “deliberately run down” state and having been “systematically allowed to decay.” East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) previously announced last month its intention to close Accrington Victoria Hospital, citing safety concerns. Labour councillors Paul Cox and Andrew Clegg advocated for fresh investment in the facility, while Hyndburn Council resolved to contact the new health secretary, Wes Streeting, to request that he prevent the closure. Conversely, ELHT stated that the 130-year-old hospital located on Haywood Road was in a “critical condition” and “beyond repair,” though essential NHS services would continue to be available within the town. During a council meeting, Councillors Cox and Clegg informed attendees that the trust had expedited the closure, with vehicles observed clearing the premises just days after the announcement. Cox commented: “EHLT have been wanting to close this hospital for decades.” He added: “The crucial services have been eked away.” Clegg further stated: “Our hospital has been systematically allowed to decay.” Zak Khan, leader of the council’s Conservative group, declared: “We fully support this motion.” Councillor Marlene Haworth, who previously held that position, remarked: “This town needs a hospital.” Martin Hodgson, the trust’s chief executive, commented: “The simple truth is that the building is beyond repair or reconfiguration as a health care facility and we have been unable to keep on top of the immense, routine maintenance required for quite some time.” He elaborated: “Despite investing millions in the building over its 130-year history, large parts of the building are closed, the roof has collapsed in a number of places, it’s full of asbestos and the heating system originally fired by three boilers is down to one.” He confirmed that the Minor Injuries Unit, X-Ray, Outpatients, and GP services presently offered at the hospital are slated for relocation to either Accrington PALS in the town centre or the Acorn health centre on Blackburn Road. For more content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and engage with BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions may also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. This material is © 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available for review.