A CABINET Minister has been invited to Calderstones Hospital to discuss alternative medical uses for the building after its closure.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has asked Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to visit the site near Whalley after discussing its future with bosses at the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust which now runs it.

The Tory backbencher wants at least some of the hospital, earmarked for closure in 2016, used for low-risk care for mental health patients, dementia sufferers, military personnel with post-combat stress or survivors of abuse.

Mr Evans has written to Mr Hunt and Joe Rafferty, Chief Executive of Merseycare, urging a rethink for the site

He said: “The full closure of Calderstones would be of massive detriment to the Ribble Valley. I have seen first-hand the dedication of staff and the excellent facilities including the ‘Maplewood’ unit which cost £7 million just seven years ago

"It seems a backwards step to close a ready-made facility when there is so much emphasis on mental health treatment. It is absurd

"It would be an extremely simple procedure to commission Calderstones for other areas of care such as dementia, care after combat, or care for survivors of abuse.

"I have invited Jeremy Hunt to Calderstones to see its vast potential for himself.”

A £60million replacement medium secure unit is to be built at Maghull, on Merseyside

Calderstones is the only NHS facility in the UK which specialises in learning disabilities.