Have your say on Clitheroe hospital scheme

12:28pm Wednesday 13th August 2008

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RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on a new multi-million-pound scheme to replace a community hospital.

East Lancashire Primary Care Trust has confirmed it wants to replace Clitheroe Community Hospital, Chat-burn Road, with a new unit within the next two to three years.

Now, people are being given the opportunity to hear about the proposals and to have their say at a series of meetings held across three venues.

The new building would be built next to the hospital, which was originally the 19th century workhouse.

Plans will now be drawn up for Ribble Valley Council to decide whether to give planning permission.

The new site would be able to accommodate mobile health units which would bring enhanced surgical and diagnostic services to the town.

A new hospital in Clitheroe would mean residents would no longer have to travel to sites in Blackburn, Burnley and Accrington for some routine treatments and services.

Clitheroe Community Hos-pital manager Jacqueline Threlfall said: “It’s very exciting and we are delighted with the news.

“It represents a focus on modern facilities for the future for the people of the Ribble Valley and we are pleased with the planned provision of new and expanded health facilities within the community hospital setting.”

Two separate sessions are planned on Tuesday in the Ribble Valley Council Chambers in Church Walk, Clitheroe, the first being between 1.30pm and 3pm, and the second 3.30pm-5pm.

On Wednesday, August 20, another session is planned at Slaidburn Village Hall bet-ween 2pm and 3.30pm.

On Thursday, August 21, a meeting is planned in the boardroom at Calderstones NHS Trust, Mitton Road, Whalley between 9.30am and 11am, subject to demand.

It is important that people book a session by telep-honing 01282 610249 or 01282 618103.