AN MP has urged health chiefs to pay for the running of a closure-threatened hospital ward in a bid to avoid a 'bed blocking' crisis in the future.

Cash-strapped bosses at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust announced the closure of Rossendale General's rehabilitation ward for the elderly until next year.

And the decision has put the hospital's future in doubt.

Now Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson has written to the chairman of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale's Primary Care Trust, David Peat, calling for it to finance the operation of the ward.

The East Lancashire Hospital Trust is conducting a full review of clinical services across its five hospitals.

Its review is the latest move by new chief executive Jo Cubbon, who took over the trust in April, to help clear a £4.5million debt.

The PCT, which employs nurses and other health care staff, is responsible for local health care budgets -- allowing money to be spent where it is most needed in.

Mrs Anderson warned that a reduction in bed numbers on the rehabilitation unit could contribute to a "bed blocking" problem.

She added that a temporary takeover of the service by the PCT would give the Hospitals Trust "breathing space" to assist with its recovery plan.

And she claimed the move would help secure the future of the hospital and reassure residents, patients and staff.

Mrs Anderson added: "There is great concern that, if this ward is to close temporarily, it may never re-open.

"However, the Trust have said they are willing to consider alternatives in order to achieve the cost savings they need to assist with their recovery plan.

"Combined with the proposed closure of a similar ward at Nelson, the number of rehab beds in our area will be significantly reduced and may thus contribute to a problem of bed blocking, particularly at potential crisis points such as Christmas, which would place great strain on social services."

Nobody from the PCT was available to comment.